| Name of Organization: | Federal Public Defender |
| Job Title: | Mitigation Specialist |
| Part-time or Full-time: | Full-time |
| Job Location: | Buffalo, NY |
| Job Description: | ABOUT US The Federal Public Defender’s Office provides legal representation to persons charged with committing federal crimes who cannot afford to hire an attorney. We vigorously defend the accused from arrest through trial and appeal, including the U.S. Supreme Court. We work together to uphold every person’s right to be presumed innocent and to a fair sentence if convicted. We advocate for fair and just treatment for our clients by demonstrating their humanity. We are attorneys, legal assistants, paralegals, investigators, office administrators, and information technology specialists committed to cultivating a culture of acceptance and connectedness that honors the diverse backgrounds of the people we represent. Our commitment to inclusion is integral to our commitment to a fair justice system. In recruiting members of our team, we welcome the full spectrum of humanity. We embrace the unique contributions our employees can bring to our office because of their backgrounds, social identities, and lived experiences. We know that the best legal representation occurs through a diverse, collaborative, and inclusive workforce. |
| Required Qualifications: | EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant experience at a minimum. A candidate with an advanced or graduate degree in social work is strongly preferred. A candidate with a degree in a field related to social work, such as anthropology, psychology, sociology, law, criminal justice; or any bachelor’s degree with at least three years of experience investigating and developing mitigation evidence after graduation will be considered. |
| Preferred Qualifications: | QUALIFICATIONS •Possess the ability to work independently, and collaboratively in a teamenvironment. •Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. •Be accurate and attentive to detail, organize work, set priorities, and meetdeadlines. •Identify obtain and analyze relevant records and have strong legal research andwriting skills. •Be technologically proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel andPowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat. •The ability to recognize and analyze problems and recommend practical solutions. •The desire to work with and on behalf of people from diverse backgrounds. •A strong commitment to providing holistic representational support to indigentpersons in proceedings under federal criminal law. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and be able to travel as required throughout the District using their own vehicle (mileage reimbursement provided). |
| Rate of Pay: | JSP 9 to JSP 14; $63,904 - $169,288 |
| How to Apply: | HOW TO APPLY Candidates shall email a single PDF containing a cover letter, resume, three references and a writing sample to Chelsea Crowe at zzNYWml_HR1@fd.org. Applicants must also submit the AO 78 Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment found at https://nyw.fd.org/sites/nyw/files/vacancies/AO-78.pdf. Applicants who apply without submitting all documents will not be considered. Rolling interviews will be conducted. Priority will be given to applications received by July 25, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. This position is subject to the availability of funds and is open until filled. All responses will remain confidential. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The Federal Public Defender’s Office may fill current and future positions from this vacancy announcement. The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of New York is an equal opportunity employer. |
| Contact: | zzNYWml_HR1@fd.org |
| Website: | https://NYW.fd.org |
