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Federal Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Federal Public Defender

Legal Assistant

Austin, TX · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Texas is accepting applications for the position of Legal Assistant, to be stationed in the Austin office. POSITION DUTIES The Legal Assistant ...

Federal Public Defender

Clerical Assistant

El Paso, TX · On-site

$36K - $50K/yr

The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Texas is accepting applications for the position of clerical assistant, to be stationed in the El Paso office. The Federal Public Defender ...

Federal Public Defender

Clerical Assistant

El Paso, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Texas is accepting applications for the position of clerical assistant, to be stationed in the El Paso office. The Federal Public Defender ...

Montana

Public Defender-Conflict

Helena, MT · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Interprets and applies state and federal laws and administrative rules. * Identifies and Interviews ...

State of Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Ashdown, 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 ...

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How much do federal public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 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.

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Federal Public Defender jobs near you

Legal Assistant

Federal Public Defender

Austin, TX • On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Texas is accepting applications for the position of Legal Assistant, to be stationed in the Austin office.
POSITION DUTIES
The Legal Assistant provides legal secretarial and clerical support services for one or more Assistant Federal Defenders. The duties of a Legal Assistant include:
  • Manage attorney calendars, including court settings and filing deadlines.
  • Answer and route calls; handle general inquiries professionally.
  • Maintain organized, accurate case files and records.
  • Draft and review legal documents, briefs, and correspondence in Word; verify accuracy.
  • Perform conflict checks as required.
  • Provide office support: heavy word processing, filing, photocopying, and mail routing.
  • Deliver documents to the courthouse as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • 2+ years general experience and 1 year specialized (relevant coursework may substitute).
  • Spanish fluency.
  • Sound judgment; apply policies; recommend practical solutions.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
  • Proactive; works independently and collaborates effectively.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Thrives in a high-volume, fast-paced law office.
  • Preferred: Prior law office experience.
  • Employment contingent on a satisfactory background check (FBI name & fingerprints).

BENEFITS
  • Retirement benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System.
  • Optional participation in Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB).
  • Optional participation in Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
  • Optional participation in Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
  • Position is excepted service, without competitive civil service tenure.

HOW TO APPLY
  • Cover letter and resume.
  • Three professional references with their contact information.
  • Form AO-78 - All sections of the AO-78 must be completed in full, with dates in the following format: mm/dd/yyyy.
  • Apply at Openings at Federal Public Defender, Western District of Texas. Attach your cover letter, resume, references and the AO-78 in one pdf. Incomplete applications will not be considered. https://federal-public-defender-western-district-of-texas.breezy.hr/p/65112b39fcd4-legal-assistant

To request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, contact personnel administrator Christopher Schmidt at (210) 981-2081.
The Federal Public Defender is an equal-opportunity employer.

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