Appellate Attorney

Closing Date: 6th March, 2026

Description:

Summary:
Duties:
Appellate attorneys principally represent indigent clients in their federal appellate proceedings. Appellate attorneys carry a full caseload, representing clients in all stages of their appellate process, including briefing at all levels of the court system, oral advocacy, and in ancillary proceedings. Regular responsibilities include working with clients; digesting large records and case files; developing litigation strategies; researching the law; drafting pleadings and presenting oral arguments. This position may require work on holidays, evenings, and weekends, as the nature of assigned cases require.

Requirements:
Conditions of Employment:
The final candidate will undergo an FBI background check and employment is conditional upon its completion.

Qualifications:
The successful applicant must be a graduate from an accredited law school and licensed by the highest court of any state, the District of Columbia, the Supreme Court of the United States, or any other state bar, with good standing. Applicants should demonstrate a passion for and dedication to indigent defense in criminal cases, a commitment to client-centered representation, and the ability to work as part of a team. Additionally, they will have a clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in federal appellate practice and a reputation for integrity. The successful applicant will have strong legal research skills, the ability to analyze complex legal issues, and the ability to write clearly and concisely. Applicants must also possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, and court and agency personnel; possess strong oral and interpersonal skills; and be able to work independently and set priorities to meet critical deadlines. Applicants must also be authorized to work in the United States.

The physical demands of the position are those required to successfully perform the duties described above. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. The Appellate Attorney will spend most of their time in an office environment consistent with our telework policy. The individual must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Travel within the state will be necessary and a valid driver's license is required.

Education:
The successful applicant must be a graduate from an accredited law school.

Additional Information:

• The position is "at-will" employment in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive civil service.
• This position is subject to the availability of funds.
• All responses will remain confidential.
• More than one position may be filled from this announcement.
• Telework and flex scheduling consistent with court obligations and position duties are available to all employees.
• Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit).

The Office of Federal Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

• You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
• We will review your resume and supporting documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and evaluate your relevant professional, educational, and work experiences as it relates to fundamental competencies, identified in the Qualifications section above, required for this position.

Required Documents:
Completed AO78 Judicial Branch Application

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Writing sample that is approximately 10 pages or less and contains legal analysis.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply:
To be considered for this position, email a single PDF containing a completed AO78 Judicial Branch Application, cover letter, resume, and a writing sample that is approximately 10 pages or less and contains legal analysis to FPDedva_hiring@fd.org. You must include the job announcement number in the subject line.

This position will remain open until filled with preference given to those who apply by March 6, 2026. For required documents or additional information, visit the Employment section of https://vae.fd.org. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted; please do not contact the office.
Human Resources
703-600-0835
FPDedva_hiring@fd.org
Office of the Federal Public Defender, Eastern District of Virginia
1650 King Street
STE 500
Alexandria, VA 22314
US
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Those contacted will be required to participate in a panel interview.

---