The United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit is seeking applications from qualified persons for the position of Circuit CJA Case Budgeting Attorney. The Case Budgeting Attorney will work across the circuit to provide guidance, support, oversight, and training on Criminal Justice Act (CJA) matters. The Case Budgeting Attorney will offer case budgeting to courts and CJA panel attorneys and perform a wide range of other duties related to CJA case budgeting and voucher processing.
J.D. from an accredited law school, membership in good standing with a state bar, and a minimum of 5 years of experience consisting of criminal defense or habeas representation, including extensive experience and knowledge of CJA budgeting, billing practices and policy guidelines. Comprehensive understanding of the dynamics, costs, and impact of the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) as well as federal criminal law and criminal procedure. Thorough knowledge of criminal litigation defense strategies and experience in managing electronic discovery. Ability to analyze fees and budgets; write clear and concise reports; make effective oral presentations; and work and communicate effectively with judges and attorneys. Ability to work persuasively and tactfully with counsel and develop practical solutions to case management and budgeting issues. Ability to work under pressure and with deadlines. Skill in writing reports analyzing a wide range of data and statistics. Strong project management skills.
Work with appellate, district, and magistrate judges, and CJA panel attorneys to develop and review budgets for criminal mega-cases and death penalty cases, including capital habeas corpus proceedings. Continuously monitor and review requests for attorney time, paralegal time, experts, investigations, and other costs, making recommendations for modification when appropriate. Assist judges with oversight of expenditures in capital cases, including review of pre- and post-authorization cost estimates and monitoring expenditures. Review funding orders and make recommendations to judges as to the reasonableness of the request and whether requested rates are consistent with CJA guidelines. Assist in development of model orders across the circuit. Provide policy and budget information to the courts and the Administrative Office. Develop and participate in training programs to educate the courts and CJA panel attorneys on case budgeting principles and procedures and serve on circuit and national committees concerning defender services. Advise and make recommendations to circuit judges for vouchers in excess of statutory maximums. Maintain and analyze a central database of budgets and expenditures to monitor compliance with budgets, provide a means of comparing budgets and expenditures, and furnish information as requested.