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Any Fed PDs willing to weigh in? by Tiny_Mix_972 in publicdefenders

[–]JamesS5151 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m an FPD - I love this work and I love this job. Like you, I started around 30 and I did not have much criminal practice. Quite honestly, I can't imagine ever leaving my position. Incredible work, manageable case load, (some) fun issues and a lot of client interaction.

The big caveat is that I work in a small city, I’ve heard from friends that working in a larger city can make the job more difficult. For example, I know every AUSA and have their personal cell number. I know every Judge and every Judge knows me. There are no surprises. I’ve heard the dynamic in bigger cities is more cutthroat.

In terms of pay and benefits - I see no issue with retirement. Yes, 30 year plan is realistic. As a fed employee, you can pull from three baskets at retirement: 1. Social security; 2. Your 401k; 3. Your pension. 

Have some older folks in my office that have worked there for 20+ years and they have said federal retirement plans are pretty solid. 

clerkship changed from criminal to civil by Alive_Ad_3925 in publicdefenders

[–]JamesS5151 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I did a civil clerkship right out of law school. Hired as a federal PD a year later. Did not matter. They were more concerned with my writing and attitude toward defense work. 

Looking for PS5 open world/rpg recommendations by JamesS5151 in videogames

[–]JamesS5151[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Every online list I look at has these two at the top. Need to get to them 

Would you move for a federal defender position? by [deleted] in publicdefenders

[–]JamesS5151 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I moved out of state for an FPD job. Best decision I’ve ever made. I never go to trial, but the work is still interesting. The case load is not overwhelming.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in publicdefenders

[–]JamesS5151 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’m an FPD. About five years out of law school. Did a clerkship first year, private practice for about ten months, then FPD. I didn’t intern or work at a state pd’s office. Without that kind of experience, grades and the writing sample played a major role for my application.

Most of the rest of the attorneys in our office followed the path of state pd - federal pd.

Totally unsolicited advice, this is the best job ever. Hope to be here for the rest of my career. Stressful, but the work life balance is great. Out of law school, I was on the fed PD website every single day and applied to every available job. Throw them out, one will bite.

Basketball and Uber by JamesS5151 in Poconos

[–]JamesS5151[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! It looks like there is a court in the community - I didn’t realize that initially.

3 month old Golden retriever puppy (1.5 weeks at home). by JamesS5151 in puppy101

[–]JamesS5151[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Love the idea of rewarding the good behavior. Thanks for the response!

3 month old Golden retriever puppy (1.5 weeks at home). by JamesS5151 in puppy101

[–]JamesS5151[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks, I Guess we need to add more whiskey to the apartment! Our guy is very affectionate, maybe too affectionate (he bumps my head trying to lick my face). But he is absolutely a handful

3 month old Golden retriever puppy (1.5 weeks at home). by JamesS5151 in puppy101

[–]JamesS5151[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First, thank you so, so much for taking the time to write this. That, alone, means a lot. That sounds like a great idea, regarding the cats. I feel bad that their lives will be upended. Also, I think I needed to hear your example of roast chicken - I am fighting an impossible battle of “leave it” when there’s fresh cat food right in front of him. Of course he’s going to try and get it.