Job Details for Criminal Justice Act Resource Counsel
| Court Name/Organization | Pennsylvania Western Federal Public Defender |
| Overview of the Position | The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania is accepting applications for the position of Criminal Justice Act Resource Counsel to join our Pittsburgh office. The Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Resource Counsel will assist the Federal Public Defender in administering and managing the Western District of Pennsylvania’s CJA panel attorney program. CJA Resource Counsel reports to the Federal Public Defender and will work closely with members of the CJA panel to ensure high quality representation and to assist in efficient management of CJA resources. Duties include recruiting panel attorneys, providing training and assistance to panel attorneys, identifying and sharing information about experts and other service providers, consulting about case budgets and funding requests, advising the CJA Panel Committee on the selection and retention of panel members, and other duties consistent with the mission of the position. The ideal candidate brings superior legal skills, as well as the ability to train and support other attorneys in the areas of investigation, use of experts and service providers, research, writing, and oral advocacy. A deep commitment to client-centered advocacy is essential. |
| Location | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 05/22/2025 - 05/30/2025 |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Salary | $108,000 - $195,000 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://paw.fd.org/employment |
| Announcement Number | 2025-04 |
Position Description
Duties and Responsibilities
The CJA Resource Counsel will collaborate with the Federal Public Defender and Federal Public Defender staff on the following:
- Provide training, assistance, and mentoring to CJA panel attorneys.
- Identify and share information about experts and other service providers with CJA panel attorneys.
- Consult about case budgets and funding requests.
- Assist with the timely assignment of cases to panel members using a system that ensures appropriate panel appointments.
- Maintain records of current panel attorneys, case assignments, attorney acceptance and availability data, and substitutions of counsel.
- Develop and maintain internal systems to protect the confidentiality of CJA panel client matters and avoid conflicts of interest.
- Assist with managing the district’s CJA panel, including the recruitment, selection, and retention of panel members.
- Consult with the CJA Panel Committee regarding panel-related matters.
The CJA Resource Counsel will not be involved in the direct representation of individuals. This attorney will not appear in court or be permitted to engage in the private practice of law.
Qualifications
Qualified Candidates must have graduated from an accredited law school, be licensed by the highest court of a state, federal territory, or the District of Columbia; and be a member in good standing in the courts where admitted to practice. Qualified candidates must have a minimum of five years’ experience as a criminal defense attorney. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background check. An applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or meet the other requirements of the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts. The successful candidate will have superior legal skills, a reputation for integrity, and a commitment to providing high quality representation to indigent defendants.
Employee Benefits
This position is full-time with a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Generous Health/Vision/Dental/Life Insurance Coverage
- Dependent and Long-term Care Insurance Programs
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Commuter Benefit Program, including Mass Transit and Parking Reimbursement Accounts
- Earned paid time off, including paid sick leave
- 11 Paid Federal Holidays
- Up to 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave
- Mandatory participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System
- Optional participation in the Thrift Savings Plan retirement account with up to 5% agency matching contributions
- Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Employee Assistance Program (confidential counseling and assistance)
- Credit for prior federal service
Miscellaneous
Duties and Responsibilities
The CJA Resource Counsel will collaborate with the Federal Public Defender and Federal Public Defender staff on the following:
- Provide training, assistance, and mentoring to CJA panel attorneys.
- Identify and share information about experts and other service providers with CJA panel attorneys.
- Consult about case budgets and funding requests.
- Assist with the timely assignment of cases to panel members using a system that ensures appropriate panel appointments.
- Maintain records of current panel attorneys, case assignments, attorney acceptance and availability data, and substitutions of counsel.
- Develop and maintain internal systems to protect the confidentiality of CJA panel client matters and avoid conflicts of interest.
- Assist with managing the district’s CJA panel, including the recruitment, selection, and retention of panel members.
- Consult with the CJA Panel Committee regarding panel-related matters.
The CJA Resource Counsel will not be involved in the direct representation of individuals. This attorney will not appear in court or be permitted to engage in the private practice of law.
Application Info
Interested applicants are invited to apply by submitting a single pdf document that includes a cover letter, resume, and writing sample via email to the attention of: Elisa A. Long, federal public defender, paw_employment@fd.org, subject: 2025-04.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.