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Federal Defender Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Direct Counsel

Privacy Litigation Associate Attorney

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$260K - $365K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The firm is widely recognized for defending complex, high-stakes privacy disputes involving cutting ... Handle matters involving state and federal privacy statutes and consumer protection laws * Support ...

Microsoft

Software Engineer - CTJ - Poly

Redmond, WA ยท On-site

$111K - $183K/yr

Defender is looking for a Software Engineer to join our team. You will be building and delivering ... Specifically, this position supports United States federal, state, and/or local United States ...

Microsoft

Sr. Software Engineer - CTJ - Poly

Redmond, WA ยท On-site

$119K - $234K/yr

Defender is looking for a Sr. Software Engineer to join our team. You will be building and ... Specifically, this position supports United States federal, state, and/or local United States ...

Microsoft

Software Engineer - CTJ - Poly

Redmond, WA ยท On-site

$111K - $183K/yr

Defender is looking for a Software Engineer to join our team. You will be building and delivering ... Specifically, this position supports United States federal, state, and/or local United States ...

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All JobsFederal Defender JobsFederal Defender Jobs in Seattle, WA

Federal Defender information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$53.5K

$89.4K

$150.2K

How much do federal defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal defender in Seattle, WA is $89,433.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,800.00 and $97,900.00 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.

Federal Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Defender job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,433 per year, or $43 per hour.

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

Snohomish County Public Defender Association

Everett, WA โ€ข On-site

$115K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Experienced Level Criminal Defense Attorney
Snohomish County Public Defender Association is a private, non-profit law office that is passionate about our communities. We are seeking a full-time attorney.
Brave Advocacy, No Judgement, and Fierce Connections. These are the core tenets of Snohomish County Public Defender Association (SCPDA)'s mission to become an antiracist organization while providing the highest quality legal representation to people facing loss of liberty pursuant to criminal and civil laws. SCPDA is a private, non-profit law office and we are currently accepting applications for a full-time experienced criminal defense attorney.
The ideal candidate will have experience as a criminal defense attorney representing clients accused of Class A offenses and sex offenses. Candidates must have extensive motions practice and trial experience and should be able to work with people from diverse backgrounds. Candidates should also have knowledge of the historical and present impacts of the criminal legal system on Black, Indigenous, and other people of color.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Provide legal representation to assigned clients at all stages of legal proceedings.
  • Review reports and court pleadings, research legal issues raised by the facts, and counsel clients involved in these proceedings.
  • Direct investigation of the case to include regular communication with investigators to monitor the progress of the investigation and follow up with necessary motions, subpoenas, and other discovery methods to assist with the investigation.
  • Refer appropriate cases for social work services. Communicates regularly with social workers.
  • Visit crime scenes and all other case-related sites.
  • Prepare and bring motions. Present legal arguments clearly and logically in written and verbal form.
  • Conduct pretrial negotiations with assigned prosecutors.
  • Conduct bench trials and jury trials.
  • Prepare and argue post-trial motions as needed. Advocate for leniency or alternatives.
  • Communicate regularly with clients.
  • Work cooperatively with colleagues. Provide coverage for other attorneys or other case assignments. Maintain case files and write coverage/transfer memos with sufficient information to allow another attorney to provide effective assistance of counsel.
  • Manage caseload within Indigent Defense Caseload standards.
  • Maintain knowledge of current practices and developments in the law. Attend continuing legal education seminars as required by the WSBA.
  • Interact with all participants of the criminal legal system in a way that promotes respect, including persons affected by mental health, substance disorder, or other personality disorders.
  • Position requires a commitment to zealously defend clients at all stages of criminal proceedings.
  • Prioritize collaboration and cooperation in your interactions with all Defenders. Hold yourself accountable when contributing to differences in power and identity, and act in ways that honor the authenticity, value, and dignity of each Defender.
  • Seek to cultivate constructive relationships with court stakeholders for the benefit of clients, and represent SCPDA with mindfulness, compassion, and consideration towards others.
  • Advance and/or progress toward recognizing and naming racism and other oppressions within our work.
  • Intentionally engage in antiracism learning using a framework (for example: Awareness, Knowledge, Skills, and Action).
  • Comply with Rules of Professional Conduct and adhere to SCPDA policies and procedures.
  • Participate in meetings as requested.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Licensed attorney in good standing with and member of the Washington State Bar Association
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
  • Able to build new capacities for learning and seek opportunities to expand your approach to problem-solving.
  • Ability to align your actions with the rules and guidelines of professional conduct when interacting with stakeholders in the court system.
  • Ability to curiously explore and incorporate perspectives different from your own.
  • Knowledge of Washington law and statutes relating to criminal offenses.
  • Knowledge of Washington and federal rules of evidence and criminal procedures.
  • Demonstrated willingness and qualification, pursuant to Indigent Defense Standard 14, to handle Class A and sex offenses.
  • Ability to keep regular office hours and maintain a workload that may require after-hours or weekend work.
  • Must work accurately and swiftly under pressure.
  • Accept direction and feedback and follow through appropriately.
  • Requires the ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing using the English language.
  • Maintain a professional and courteous relationship with other employees of the SCPDA.
  • Able to operate standard office equipment.
  • Ability to maintain ethical and professional standards of the office and observe strict confidentiality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Frequent standing, walking, and sitting.
  • Frequent lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds.
  • Occasional lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds.
  • Must be able to work at a computer or desk area for extended periods of time.
  • Requires ability, with or without accommodation, to use a computer screen and other electronic devices, input information, and read and interpret data from the screen.
  • Other hazards are those present in a typical office or courtroom.

As a Defender, you are encouraged to aspire to be a dynamic colleague within the Association that elevates deliberativeness over reactivity and take responsibility for intention and impact.
Benefits and compensation package:
- Compensation: $122,870,52 to $156,816.84, depending on experience.
- SCPDA provides an employer retirement contribution currently set at 5.58%, beginning the first of the month following six ๎‚6๎‚‚ months of employment. This percentage is subject to change based on plan funding and board approval.
- SCPDA pays for 100% of the employee's medical and dental insurance, as well as most of the premiums for dependents.
- We offer short-term/long-term disability benefits at no cost to employees.
- Life insurance is also provided at no cost to employees.
- Employees receive 21 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) annually, accrued per pay period, plus 11 paid holidays.
- Continuing Education Funds (Up to $450/Year).
- We offer a combination of in-office and flexible work schedules.
- Access to Employee Assistance Program, which includes legal consultations for civil matters, financial counseling, access to free counseling sessions, and many more.
- Employees have free access to Calm and Class pass apps through Kaiser.
The Snohomish County Public Defender Association is committed to fostering a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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