The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit is accepting applications from all qualified applicants for the position of Federal Public Defender for the Central District of Illinois headquartered in Peoria. The current Federal Public Defender, Richard Parsons, will be retiring on Aug. 18, 2011, after 16 years of service. The appointment is for four years at a current salary of $155,500. The Federal Public Defender provides federal criminal defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel. The courts are an equal opportunity employer. An applicant should have the following qualifications: (1) a member in good standing in the bar of each state in which admitted to practices; (2) a minimum of five years criminal practice experience, preferably with significant experience in federal criminal defense at the trial and appellate levels, which demonstrates an ability to provide zealous representation of consistently high quality to criminal defendants; (3) the ability to effectively administer the office; (4) a reputation for integrity; (5) a commitment to the representation of those unable to afford counsel; and (6) have demonstrated a commitment to equal justice under the law. Applications can be obtained by accessing the website of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit at www.ca7.uscourts.gov Complete applications are due before the close of business on April 1, 2011, and are to be sent to: Collins T. Fitzpatrick Circuit Executive United State Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit 219 S. Dearborn Street, Rm. 2780 Chicago, Illinois 60604