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Federal Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Jonesboro, AR · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

Public Defenders Classification: Public Defender I - Career Path Class Code: LPD03P Pay Grade ... federal laws. The ideal candidate must possess a valid law license in Arkansas and be prepared to ...

State of Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Russellville, AR · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

Public Defenders Classification: Public Defender I - Career Path Class Code: LPD03P Pay Grade ... federal laws. The ideal candidate must possess a valid law license in Arkansas and be prepared to ...

Northampton County

Assistant Public Defender

Easton, PA · On-site

$83K/yr

... federal, or local law GENERAL PURPOSE The Assistant Full-Time Public Defender represents indigent clients throughout critical stages of criminal proceedings at the County and municipal levels. Work ...

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$107.5K

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How much do federal public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal public defender in the United States is $107,533.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $134,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Federal Public Defender position, and why are they important?

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 are the typical challenges faced by Federal Public Defenders 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 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.

More about Federal Public Defender jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Public Defender jobs? Cities with the most Federal Public Defender job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Public Defender jobs? The most popular types of Federal Public Defender jobs are:
What states have the most Federal Public Defender jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Public Defender jobs include:
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Federal Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Public Defender job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,533 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Trial Paralegal - Los Angeles

Federal Public Defender

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted yesterday

Job description

The Federal Public Defender's Office for the Central District of California is accepting applications for a full-time trial paralegal. The trial paralegal will be stationed in the Los Angeles main office. The Federal Public Defender's Office is committed to the pursuit of justice by aggressively advocating in federal court for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of individuals who are charged with federal crimes and cannot afford their own lawyer.
Job Duties: Trial paralegals provide a full range of support to attorneys in all types of federal matters, including pre-indictment cases, trials, appeals, andhabeas cases. Trial paralegals must be available to work during regular business hours, and when necessary, during evenings and weekends. General areas of responsibility are noted below.
Paralegal Job Duties:Software & Technical Responsibilities:
  • Assisting attorneys in case preparation, including trials, sentencing and evidentiary hearings
  • Identifying the best technology for review and analysis of discovery and case material
  • Reviewing, analyzing, and organizing multi-faceted discovery
  • Analyzing, producing, and presenting reports and summarizing evidence for the defense team or for presentations in the courtroom
  • Creating, maintaining, and updating indices, chronologies, witness lists, witness files and documents
  • Working with defense teams to develop and implement case strategies to meet the needs of each individual case
  • Identifying and preparing documents for experts
  • Assisting attorneys and clients with bail processes
  • Attending meetings with clients in/out of custody
  • Using technology to analyze, present and communicate information to case teams.
  • Using database programs (e.g., Eclipse, CaseMap, Summation, Relativity) to manage and review electronically stored information
  • Editing and ingesting load files, tagging, and exporting content
  • Using digital presentation tools in the courtroom (e.g., Trial Director, PowerPoint)
  • Using forensic tools (e.g., Cellebrite, Axiom) to review and extract data from forensically captured digital devices
  • Editing/converting audio and video files and working with proprietary video formats (NVRs, dash cam, pole cam, etc.)
  • Proficiency with Office 365 applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, OneDrive), Adobe Acrobat, and dtSearch
  • Experience with online research databases (e.g., PACER, State Court databases, Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Accurint)

Requirements: All applicants must have an undergraduate degree and five (5) or more years of experience as a litigation paralegal preparing cases for trial and providing support during trial. Candidates must have an advanced technology background (training will be provided for all technology and software tools described above). A paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program is preferred but not required. Preference will be given to applicants with state or federal criminal defense experience.
Varying hours including nights, weekends, and holidays may be required. A background investigation is required as a condition of employment. In line with current appropriations law, applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents seeking citizenship as described here.
Selection Criteria: Candidates must have an interest in advancing the Federal Public Defender's mission of providing high-quality criminal defense to indigent individuals; must keep up with emerging technology trends; have strong oral and written communication skills; be able to work independently, be flexible, and take initiative; and work well in teams.
Salary/Benefits: This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to direct deposit. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan. After successfully completing a probationary period, eligible employees may elect to telework up to two days per week, subject to certain conditions. For more information on benefits, see http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
How to Apply: Apply by submitting a letter of interest, résumé, and three references. We will accept applications until March 22, 2026, or until filled. Interviews will occur on a rolling basis and the open position may be filled before that date. Priority will be given to early applicants. The Federal Public Defender's Office may fill current and future positions from this vacancy announcement. Please, no phone calls.
The Federal Public Defender's Office for the Central District of California is committed to equal opportunity in the workplace. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.

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