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Federal Defender Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

City of St Marys

Grants Manager

Saint Marys, GA · On-site

Prepares and submits grant applications in a timely manner on behalf of the City to request federal, state, or local assistance. * Develops grant applications; ensures compliance with grant ...

Eastern Companies

IT Systems Support Technician

Johns Creek, GA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Familiarity with CMMC, NIST 800-171, or other federal compliance frameworks * Exposure to SIEM/EDR tooling (Wazuh, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint) * Basic networking knowledge (DNS, DHCP, VPN ...

Litchfield Cavo LLP

Associate Attorney 3

Atlanta, GA · On-site

This is an exceptional opportunity to be part of a dynamic team of lawyers defending matters ... state and federal court procedures. RESPONSIBILITIES Responsibilities include handling a ...

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All JobsFederal Defender JobsFederal Defender Jobs in Georgia

Federal Defender information

See Georgia salary details

$39.7K

$66.4K

$111.5K

How much do federal defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal defender in Georgia is $66,358.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $72,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal defender?

Federal defenders are attorneys who provide legal representation to individuals charged with federal crimes who cannot afford to hire private counsel. They are part of the federal public defender system, which is designed to ensure that everyone has access to fair legal defense, regardless of their financial situation. Federal defenders handle a variety of cases, ranging from drug offenses to white-collar crimes, and work to protect the rights of the accused throughout the federal criminal justice process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal defender?

To thrive as a Federal Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a comprehensive understanding of federal criminal law and procedure. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and experience with case management systems, are typically required. Exceptional advocacy, negotiation, and communication skills, along with empathy and resilience, help distinguish outstanding defenders. These competencies are essential for ensuring effective legal representation, protecting clients' rights, and navigating the complexities of the federal justice system.

What are some common challenges faced by federal defenders in managing their caseloads?

Federal Defenders often handle a high volume of complex cases, which can require balancing tight deadlines, thorough legal research, and frequent court appearances. Managing client communication and building trust, especially with clients facing serious charges, can be demanding. Collaboration with investigators, paralegals, and other attorneys is essential to prepare effective defenses. Staying up to date with changes in federal law and procedure is also a key part of the role, as is maintaining a commitment to ethical and diligent representation under often challenging circumstances.

What is the difference between Federal Defender vs Public Defender?

AspectFederal DefenderPublic Defender
CredentialsJuris Doctor, bar admission, specialized federal criminal law knowledgeJuris Doctor, bar admission, state-specific criminal law knowledge
Work EnvironmentFederal courts, federal criminal casesState courts, state criminal cases
EmployerFederal Public Defender ServiceCounty or state government agencies
Industry UsageFederal criminal defenseState criminal defense

The main difference between a Federal Defender and a Public Defender lies in their jurisdiction and employer. Federal Defenders work in federal courts handling federal criminal cases, while Public Defenders serve in state courts handling state criminal cases. Both roles require a Juris Doctor, bar admission, and strong criminal law knowledge, but their scope and employer differ significantly.

What cities in Georgia are hiring for Federal Defender jobs?

Cities in Georgia with the most Federal Defender job openings:

Federal Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Defender job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,358 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Senior Attorney IV - Litigation Division

City of Atlanta

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$107K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

City Of Atlanta (Georgia) rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

415th of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

SENIOR ATTORNEY IV - LITIGATION DIVISION

CITY OF ATLANTA LAW DEPARTMENT

Salary Range: $107,271 - $142,341

General Description

The ideal candidate should have at least ten (10) years of defense focused litigation experience representing clients in general civil and/or employment litigation in state and federal courts, including appellate work.  A preference will be given to candidates   with substantial first and/or second chair trial experience and experience working as part of a team, independently, and with Assistant and Associate Attorneys. The applicant should also be capable of handling all stages of administrative hearings and litigation including developing strategy, preparing and responding to discovery, taking and defending depositions, conducting settlement negotiations, and participating in mediation/alternative dispute resolution. Applicants must have experience managing paralegals and/or other litigation support and administrative staff.  Experience researching and drafting legislation is a plus. The Senior Attorney IV in this position will report directly to the Deputy City Attorney for Litigation and will have extensive contact with the Atlanta City Council, multiple City Departments, and the governing bodies of several other municipalities. 

Applicants must possess strong research skills, written and oral communication skills, analytical skills, sound judgment, professionalism, and the interpersonal skills necessary to contribute to a litigation team handling complex legal matters in a fast-paced legal and political environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Juris Doctorate degree required. Must be a member of good standing with the State Bar of Georgia. Must have at least at least ten (10) years of post-graduate legal experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in municipal, county, state, tort, and/or constitutional law.

Work Schedule

This position follows the City's hybrid work schedule policy as assigned by the Department of Human Resources Commissioner and requires in-person work at City worksites/facilities at least four (4) days per week, with the option to work remotely one (1) day per week, based on eligibility, departmental needs, and supervisor approval. The hybrid work schedule is subject to change at any time to five (5) days in-person work.

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