Closing Date: 15th July, 2026
Description:
Summary:The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit is accepting applications [under authority of 18 U.S.C. 3006A(g)(2)(A)] from all qualified persons for the position of Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Missouri headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. The incumbent Federal Public Defender will retire on December 31, 2026. The term of appointment is four years; annual salary will be equal to the salary of the U.S. Attorney for the district, currently $197,200.
Duties:
The Federal Public Defender provides federal criminal defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel.
Requirements:
Conditions of Employment:
Qualifications:
An applicant must:
Education:
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school is required.
Additional Information:
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit 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.
Benefits:
Requirements:
Conditions of Employment:
- Federal Public Defenders may not engage in the private practice of law and are subject to judiciary financial disclosure requirements.
- A background investigation is required.
Qualifications:
An applicant must:
- be admitted to practice before the highest court of at least one state;
- be a member in good standing of every other state bar of which he/she is a member;
- have a minimum of five years criminal practice experience, preferably with significant criminal trial experience;
- have administrative expertise;
- have a reputation for integrity; and
- have a commitment to the representation of those unable to afford counsel.
Education:
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school is required.
Additional Information:
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit 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.
Benefits:
Review our benefits (https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits)
How you will be evaluated
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:
How you will be evaluated
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:
Application Form
See 'How to Apply' for instructions.
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.
See 'How to Apply' for instructions.
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.
Next Steps:
Once you submit your application, we will assess your application and experience, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews.
Kindly Refer to The Following Link for A Detailed Description of The Job - https://www.usajobs.gov/job/871493600
Once you submit your application, we will assess your application and experience, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews.
Kindly Refer to The Following Link for A Detailed Description of The Job - https://www.usajobs.gov/job/871493600