Assistant Public Defender Jobs in Nevada (NOW HIRING)

Summary
This position is located in Las Vegas, Nevada.
As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.
This position is open until filled. However, first round consideration will be given to applications submitted by June 6, 2026, 11:59 pm, EST. Applicant lists will be reviewed approximately every 30 days.
For information about the District of Nevada, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-nv
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Duties
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The attorney filling this position will serve the United States by representing the federal government, its agencies, and its employees in a wide range of civil litigation. This critical role contributes directly to the fair and effective enforcement of federal laws and the protection of public resources.
A primary focus of the position is pursuing affirmative civil enforcement and/or asset forfeiture actions on behalf of the federal government. Through this proactive litigation, the attorney plays a key role in combating fraud, imposing civil penalties, pursuing asset forfeitures, and recovering debts owed to the United States. These efforts are essential to safeguarding public funds and ensuring accountability, offering a challenging and impactful opportunity to enforce the law vigorously.
In addition to affirmative litigation, the attorney may also defend the United States in civil actions. This defensive work includes handling tort claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act-such as premises liability, vehicle accidents, and medical malpractice-as well as constitutional tort claims brought under Bivens against federal employees. The attorney may also address employment-related litigation, bankruptcy matters, and judicial review of agency decisions under the Administrative Procedure Act, ensuring a comprehensive representation of the government's interests.
This position offers the opportunity to serve the public interest while working on complex and meaningful legal matters. As your training and experience progress, responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more challenging, allowing you to grow in your role as a steward of justice on behalf of the United States.
Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
Residency Requirements: Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which he or she is appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district-specific information.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment

• You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
• You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• Applicants must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent) and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) by their entry on duty date. Law school graduates and current law students taking a July 2026 bar examination may be considered.
• Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent) and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) by their entry on duty date. Law school graduates and current law students taking a July 2026 bar examination may be considered, subject to the foregoing requirements.
United States citizenship is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
The Preferred candidate will have at least 3 years of federal litigation experience. The preferred candidate must have experience taking and defending depositions of lay and expert witnesses. The preferred candidate must also have experience working with expert witnesses, including locating expert witnesses, and preparing expert witness disclosures.
You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
Education
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree by Enter on Duty (EOD) date.
Additional information
Salary Information: Assistant United States Attorney's pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The range of basic pay is $78,384 to $197,100 which includes the locality rate for the area.
Other Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The Benefits link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal Employees.
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
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This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.
Travel: Occasional travel may be expected.
Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.
Political Appointees (Current and Former): Political Appointees (Current or Former): The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
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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
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.