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Federal Public Defender Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Socket.dev

Senior Manager, Federal Tax

Arlington, VA · On-site

$151 - $205/hr

... defending credit positions * Manage and develop internal tax professionals, coordinate external ... Experience in taxation in a corporate environment, public accounting firm or major law firm

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Cherokee Federal

Systems Engineer Expert

Herndon, VA · On-site

$230K - $240K/yr

Public, private and hybrid Cloud experience (AWS, Microsoft Azure, etc.) * Must pass pre-employment ... Microsoft Defender Legal Disclaimer: Cherokee Federal is an equal opportunity employer. Please ...

New

Cherokee Federal

Systems Engineer Expert

Herndon, VA · On-site

$230K - $240K/yr

Public, private and hybrid Cloud experience (AWS, Microsoft Azure, etc.) * Must pass pre-employment ... Microsoft Defender Legal Disclaimer: Cherokee Federal is an equal opportunity employer. Please ...

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All JobsFederal Public Defender JobsFederal Public Defender Jobs in Virginia

Federal Public Defender information

See Virginia salary details

$27.8K

$106.6K

$182.9K

How much do federal public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal public defender in Virginia is $106,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,900.00 and $132,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a federal public defender do?

A Federal Public Defender is a government-appointed attorney who represents individuals accused of federal crimes who cannot afford legal counsel. They provide defense services in federal court proceedings, including pre-trial hearings, trials, and appeals. Their role ensures that defendants receive fair legal representation as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment. Federal Public Defenders are experienced attorneys who work within a federally funded system separate from prosecutors to maintain impartiality.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a federal public defender?

To thrive as a Federal Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a valid law license, and extensive knowledge of federal criminal law and procedure. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, case management systems, and federal court filing platforms is essential. Outstanding oral and written advocacy, discretion, and resilience under pressure are important soft skills in this demanding position. These skills enable the delivery of effective defense, protection of clients' rights, and successful navigation of complex federal cases.

What challenges do federal public defenders face in their daily work?

Federal Public Defenders often manage heavy caseloads and must quickly familiarize themselves with complex legal issues in each case. They face the challenge of representing clients who may have limited resources or trust in the legal system, requiring exceptional advocacy and interpersonal skills. The role involves frequent court appearances, close collaboration with investigators and support staff, and negotiation with federal prosecutors. Despite these demanding aspects, many defenders find the work highly rewarding due to its positive impact on ensuring justice and upholding constitutional rights.

What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Public Defender jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Federal Public Defender jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Federal Public Defender jobs in Virginia?

For Federal Public Defender jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Federal Public Defender jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Federal Public Defender jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Federal Public Defender jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Federal Public Defender job openings:

Federal Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Public Defender job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $106,611 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Assistant Federal Public Defender

1 Hinds County Board of Supervisors

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$67K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

1 Hinds County Board of Supervisors is seeking an attorney for legal representation in criminal cases. Responsibilities include interviewing defendants, negotiating charges, and representing clients in court. The ideal candidate must possess a Juris Doctorate, be licensed in Mississippi, and have litigation experience. This exempt, at-will position offers a starting salary of $67,000 and demands compliance with the Mississippi Bar's ongoing professional requirements. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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