Closing Date: 10th June, 2026
Description:
This is a full-time position dedicated to all stages of the magistrate and district court proceedings. Our attorneys are expected to be zealous advocates of the highest caliber, devoted to the defense of low-income clients and the enforcement of the Bill of Rights. Our robust litigation practice challenges every stage of the criminal proceeding, from bond hearings, pretrial motions, jury trials, and sentencings to post-conviction retroactive relief projects. Because mitigation is a core component of our work, our attorneys, investigators, and support staff collaborate on every case. Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law. The office has a telework policy that permits employees to work at home up to two days per week.Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, an applicant must be 1) a graduate of an accredited law school; 2) licensed by the highest court of a state, federal territory, or the District of Columbia; 3) a member in good standing in all courts admitted to practice; and 4) a United States citizen, or a person authorized to work in the United States and receive compensation from this agency. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including an FBI name and fingerprint check, and an IRS tax check.
Applicants must have at least five years of substantive post-graduate legal experience, to include no less than three years of substantive experience in criminal defense. Substantive experience in criminal defense includes first or second chair roles in felony jury trials, including responsibility for dispositive motions, use of the rules of evidence, and development of sentencing or post-sentencing mitigation. Experience in federal criminal defense is preferred but not required. Superior research, writing, and oral advocacy skills are required. A strong and established work ethic, a demonstrated commitment to criminal defense, a team-oriented professional demeanor, and a reputation for personal integrity are essential. Proficiency in Spanish is preferred but not required.
Employee Benefits:
This is an “Excepted Appointment,” full-time position with federal benefits and salary commensurate with experience and qualifications within the range of AD-21 to AD-29 ($85,573 - $197,100). Among the many benefits of employment are the Federal Employees Retirement System, the Thrift Savings Plan (401k), paid annual and sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, and health, life, disability, long-term care, dental, and vision insurance. Salary is payable only by direct deposit.
Miscellaneous:
This is a full-time position dedicated to all stages of the magistrate and district court proceedings. Our attorneys are expected to be zealous advocates of the highest caliber, devoted to the defense of low-income clients and the enforcement of the Bill of Rights. Our robust litigation practice challenges every stage of the criminal proceeding, from bond hearings, pretrial motions, jury trials, and sentencings to post-conviction retroactive relief projects. Because mitigation is a core component of our work, our attorneys, investigators, and support staff collaborate on every case. Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law. The office has a telework policy that permits employees to work at home up to two days per week.
Application Info
Qualified
applicants should apply via email by submitting a letter of interest, a
resume, and a writing sample that is your own work, combined in .pdf
format, to Veronica Knights, Personnel Administrator, at
employment@cofpd.org. Subject reference line should be AFPD – Trial
Division.The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.