Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD)

Closing Date: 6th March, 2026

Description:

Summary:
The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Virginia is accepting applications for an Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD) position in our Richmond location. Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. 3006A, the office provides legal representation to indigent defendants in federal criminal cases and related matters.
AFPDs represent clients in federal court at every stage of the federal criminal process, prepare written submissions, work collaboratively with other attorneys and staff, conduct client interviews and directs the defense investigation in the representation of indigent federal criminal defendants in the Richmond division of the Eastern District of Virginia. This position may require work on holidays, evenings, and weekends, as the nature of assigned cases require.

Requirements:
Conditions of Employment:
The final candidate for each position will undergo an FBI background check and employment is conditional upon its completion. Further background investigation may be required.

Qualifications:
A successful applicant must be an attorney who demonstrates strong research and writing abilities and has experience in criminal law, including familiarity with federal sentencing guidelines. Applicants must have a reputation for personal and professional integrity, as well as a demonstrated commitment to indigent criminal defense and possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and court personnel. Applicants must be licensed by and have good standing before the highest court of any state, the District of Columbia, or the Supreme Court of the United States. 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 AFPD 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:

• This position is "at-will" employment in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive civil service positions.
• This position is subject to the availability of funds and is open until filled.
• 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.

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