Attorney
Great Falls, MT · On-site
$82K - $197K/yr
Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background investigation. The Federal Defenders of Montana, Inc., maintains a drug-free workplace.
Quick apply
Great Falls, MT · On-site
$82K - $197K/yr
Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background investigation. The Federal Defenders of Montana, Inc., maintains a drug-free workplace.
Quick apply
Great Falls, MT · On-site
$82K - $197K/yr
Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background investigation. The Federal Defenders of Montana, Inc., maintains a drug-free workplace.
The federal defender organization operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C ... Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation including an FBI name/fingerprint ...
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The federal defender organization operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C ... Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation including an FBI name/fingerprint ...
Yreka, CA · On-site
$67K - $86K/yr
... investigative duties for the Public Defender's Office. Incumbents perform criminal and civil ... Interpret, analyze and apply pertinent Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations.
Yreka, CA · On-site
$67K - $86K/yr
... investigative duties for the Public Defender's Office. Incumbents perform criminal and civil ... Interpret, analyze and apply pertinent Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations.
Yreka, CA · On-site
$67K - $86K/yr
... investigative duties for the Public Defender's Office. Incumbents perform criminal and civil ... Interpret, analyze and apply pertinent Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations.
Yreka, CA · On-site
$67K - $86K/yr
... investigative duties for the Public Defender's Office. Incumbents perform criminal and civil ... Interpret, analyze and apply pertinent Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations.
San Antonio, TX · On-site
$75K - $108K/yr
The NITOAD branch supports the federal defender program's staffed offices in 204 locations ... The IT Security Specialist also participates in incident investigation, containment, and post ...
San Antonio, TX · On-site
$75K - $108K/yr
The NITOAD branch supports the federal defender program's staffed offices in 204 locations ... The IT Security Specialist also participates in incident investigation, containment, and post ...
Del Rio, TX · On-site
$76K - $180K/yr
The Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. 3006A ... Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an ...
Del Rio, TX · On-site
$76K - $180K/yr
The Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. 3006A ... Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an ...
Midland, TX · On-site
$76K - $180K/yr
Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check. Duties . The assistant federal public defender ...
Midland, TX · On-site
$76K - $180K/yr
Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check. Duties . The assistant federal public defender ...
San Antonio, TX · On-site
$75K - $108K/yr
The federal defender program operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § ... This is a public trust position requiring a successful 10-year background investigation, with ...
San Antonio, TX · On-site
$75K - $108K/yr
The federal defender program operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § ... This is a public trust position requiring a successful 10-year background investigation, with ...
POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER WESTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI The U.S. Court ... A background investigation is required. Application forms may be obtained from the Clerk of the U.S.
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POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER WESTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI The U.S. Court ... A background investigation is required. Application forms may be obtained from the Clerk of the U.S.
$74K - $156K/yr
... and investigation. Judicial procedures and rules of evidence. State and federal laws and ... Deputy Public Defender III: In addition to the above, two additional years of experience (for a ...
$74K - $156K/yr
... and investigation. Judicial procedures and rules of evidence. State and federal laws and ... Deputy Public Defender III: In addition to the above, two additional years of experience (for a ...
Eureka, CA · On-site
$74K - $156K/yr
Public Defender Division: 219 - Public Defender Opening Date: 09/08/2025 Closing Date: Continuous ... investigation. * Judicial procedures and rules of evidence. * State and federal laws and ...
Eureka, CA · On-site
$74K - $156K/yr
Public Defender Division: 219 - Public Defender Opening Date: 09/08/2025 Closing Date: Continuous ... investigation. * Judicial procedures and rules of evidence. * State and federal laws and ...
Del Rio, TX · On-site
$76K - $180K/yr
The Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. 3006A ... Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an ...
Quick apply
Del Rio, TX · On-site
$76K - $180K/yr
The Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. 3006A ... Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an ...
The Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. 3006A ... Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an ...
The Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. 3006A ... Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an ...
San Antonio, TX · On-site
$75K - $108K/yr
The NITOAD branch supports the federal defender program's staffed offices in 204 locations ... The IT Security Specialist also participates in incident investigation, containment, and post ...
Quick apply
San Antonio, TX · On-site
$75K - $108K/yr
The NITOAD branch supports the federal defender program's staffed offices in 204 locations ... The IT Security Specialist also participates in incident investigation, containment, and post ...
Bismarck, ND · On-site
$76K - $180K/yr
FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER Districts of South Dakota and North Dakota Jason J. Tupman Federal Public ... Attorneys are supported by experienced investigators, paralegals, and administrative staff, and are ...
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Bismarck, ND · On-site
$76K - $180K/yr
FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER Districts of South Dakota and North Dakota Jason J. Tupman Federal Public ... Attorneys are supported by experienced investigators, paralegals, and administrative staff, and are ...
Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check. Duties . The assistant federal public defender ...
Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check. Duties . The assistant federal public defender ...
Midland, TX · On-site
$76K - $180K/yr
Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check. Duties . The assistant federal public defender ...
Quick apply
Midland, TX · On-site
$76K - $180K/yr
Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check. Duties . The assistant federal public defender ...
The NITOAD branch supports the federal defender program's staffed offices in 204 locations ... The IT Security Specialist also participates in incident investigation, containment, and post ...
The NITOAD branch supports the federal defender program's staffed offices in 204 locations ... The IT Security Specialist also participates in incident investigation, containment, and post ...
San Antonio, TX · On-site
$77K - $182K/yr
Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an FBI name and fingerprint check. Duties. An assistant federal public defender (Appellate) represents ...
San Antonio, TX · On-site
$77K - $182K/yr
Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an FBI name and fingerprint check. Duties. An assistant federal public defender (Appellate) represents ...
San Antonio, TX · On-site
$75K - $108K/yr
The NITOAD branch supports the federal defender program's staffed offices delivering critical ... This is a public trust position requiring a successful 10-year background investigation, with ...
Quick apply
San Antonio, TX · On-site
$75K - $108K/yr
The NITOAD branch supports the federal defender program's staffed offices delivering critical ... This is a public trust position requiring a successful 10-year background investigation, with ...
$32K - $41K
7% of jobs
$41K - $50K
14% of jobs
$51.5K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$50K - $59K
24% of jobs
The median wage is $63.5K / yr.
$59K - $68K
9% of jobs
$68K - $77K
5% of jobs
$77K - $86K
15% of jobs
$86.8K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$86K - $95K
3% of jobs
$95K - $104K
6% of jobs
$104K - $113K
4% of jobs
$113K - $122K
12% of jobs
$122K - $131K
0% of jobs
$32K
$75.3K
$131K
| Aspect | Federal Defender Investigator | Federal Public Defender Investigator |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Relevant investigative experience, sometimes certifications in criminal justice or law enforcement | Similar credentials, often requiring investigative or law enforcement background |
| Work Environment | Government offices, courtrooms, client interviews | Government offices, court settings, field investigations |
| Employer & Industry | Federal public defender offices, criminal defense | Federal public defender offices, criminal defense |
| Search & Comparison Intent | Often compared for investigative roles in federal defense | Similar to Federal Defender Investigator, used interchangeably in searches |
The Federal Defender Investigator and Federal Public Defender Investigator roles are very similar, both working within federal public defender offices to support criminal defense cases. They typically require investigative experience and work in government legal settings. The main difference is often in terminology used by different offices or regions, but their responsibilities and qualifications largely overlap.

$82K - $197K/yr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Posted 7 days ago
The Federal Defenders of Montana, Inc., the community defender organization serving the State and District of Montana, is growing! We are accepting applications for two (2) permanent full-time positions of Assistant Federal Defender at the Great Falls Headquarters Office. The Federal Defenders of Montana, Inc., is a nonprofit corporation, funded by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, which provides excellent legal representation and criminal defense services to individuals charged with federal crimes who are financially unable to retain counsel. The Federal Defenders of Montana, Inc., is not an agency of the federal government; staff members are not federal employees.
Positions: One position is for a trial lawyer, capable of handling all stages of a federal case, including trial, motions’ work, revocation proceedings and direct appeal. The other position, a non-capital habeas lawyer, requires intensive research and writing with good working knowledge of 28 U.S.C. § 2254 and 2255, but will also include trial and other duties as directed. All applicants should have demonstrated dedication to criminal defense work, as well as strong research, writing and courtroom skills.
Travel and Outside Practice of Law: Considerable travel throughout the district in connection with the responsibilities of the position should be anticipated. Federal defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.
Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary (Judicial Pay Scale (JSP) $82,459 -$197,100), health coverage, generous leave policy, and retirement plan.
Bar Admission: Qualified applicants must be admitted to and in good standing with the bar of the highest court of a state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Territory of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands of the United States. Admission to the bar of Montana and the bar of the United States District Court for the District of Montana, or a commitment to admission within a year of acceptance of a position is mandatory.
Application Process: To apply, email your cover letter, resume, brief writing sample, and references in a single Adobe PDF file using the subject line “MTX-GREATFALLS-AFD”. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. No telephone inquiries please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background investigation. The Federal Defenders of Montana, Inc., maintains a drug-free workplace.