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Federal Defender Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Courts

Capital Habeas Unit Chief

Cleveland, OH · On-site +1

$80K - $197K/yr

Build and maintain effective relationships with Federal Defender offices, defense partners, experts, and the national capital habeas community. * Promote professional development, accountability, and ...

Socket.dev

OH · On-site

$120 - $210/hr

Security analysis and configuration of core security tools in the Microsoft Suite, using Defender ... Federal Agency Clearance Requirements may require up to a 10-year background investigation - US ...

Ohio Department of Aging

Law Clerk - Lima, OH

Lima, OH · On-site

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation ...

Kokosing

System Administrator

Fredericktown, OH · On-site

Microsoft Defender Networking fundamentals Kokosing is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action federal and state contractor. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color ...

Kokosing

System Administrator

Fredericktown, OH · On-site

Microsoft Defender Networking fundamentals Kokosing is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action federal and state contractor. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color ...

Kokosing

System Administrator

Fredericktown, OH · Hybrid

Microsoft Defender Networking fundamentals Kokosing is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action federal and state contractor. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color ...

Government Employees Insurance Company

$112.75 - $186.55/hr

... federal, state and local law. GEICO hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. GEICO reasonably accommodates qualified individuals with ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFederal Defender JobsFederal Defender Jobs in Ohio

Federal Defender information

See Ohio salary details

$44.7K

$74.7K

$125.5K

How much do federal defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal defender in Ohio is $74,712.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,800.00 and $81,800.00 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 Ohio are hiring for Federal Defender jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Federal Defender job openings:

Federal Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Defender job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,712 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Capital Habeas Unit Chief

US Judicial Branch

Cleveland, OH • On-site

$80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

The Capital Habeas Unit Chief leads all Unit operations, strategic initiatives, and litigation functions while contemporaneously serving as a senior leader and personal advisor to the Federal Public Defender. The Chief must combine outstanding legal judgment with strong leadership abilities, build cohesion within the Unit and strengthen collaboration with the Trial Unit so that the office operates with greater unity, shared purpose, and institutional trust.
Qualifications:Because we occasionally litigate in state court, Ohio bar admission, or a willingness to seek admission to the Ohio Bar, is an advantage.
Applicants must also be admitted to or seek admission to practice before the United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Qualified applicants should also have:
  • Experience supervising attorneys and professional staff.
  • At least ten years of criminal law experience, preferably including substantial federal criminal trial, appellate, post-conviction, and capital habeas experience.
  • Prior capital habeas experience or employment with another Capital Habeas Units is an advantage.
  • Strong relationships within the federal defender and capital habeas communities.
  • A demonstrably firm grasp of litigation under AEDPA and 28 U.S.C. 2254.

Preferred qualifications include education, training, or practical experience in mitigation work or related fields such as mental health, sociology, psychology, childhood trauma, or social work.
Education:Applicants must be graduates of an accredited law school and members in good standing of any state bar.Employment Type: OTHER

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