Assistant Federal Public Defender

Court Name/Organization Virginia Eastern Federal Public Defender Overview of the Position The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Virginia is accepting applications for an Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD) position in our Norfolk office. Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, our office provides legal representation to indigent defendants in federal criminal cases and related matters. AFPDs represent clients in federal court at every stage of the federal criminal process, prepare written submissions, work collaboratively with other attorneys and staff, conduct client interviews and direct defense investigation in the representation of indigent federal criminal defendants in the Norfolk and Newport News divisions of the Eastern District of Virginia. This position may require work on holidays, evenings, and weekends, as the nature of assigned cases require. This position may require work outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel, as case needs require. Qualifications A successful applicant must be an attorney who demonstrates strong oral communication, research, and writing abilities and has experience in criminal law, including familiarity with federal sentencing guidelines. Applicants must have a reputation for personal and professional integrity, as well as a demonstrated commitment to indigent criminal defense and possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and court personnel. Applicants must be licensed by and have good standing before the highest court of any state, the District of Columbia, or the Supreme Court of the United States. Applicants must also be authorized to work in the United States. The physical demands of the position are those required to successfully perform the duties described above. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. The AFPD will spend most of their time in an office environment consistent with the telework policy. The individual must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Travel within the state will be necessary and a valid driver’s license is required. Employee Benefits Starting salary will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the applicant, within a range from $77,889 - $197,100 per annum. The position offers federal employment benefits that include, in part, paid vacation, paid sick time, paid holidays, health insurance, life insurance, retirement plan and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (401k). Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). Telework and flex scheduling consistent with court obligations and position duties are available to all employees. This position is “at-will” employment in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of a competitive civil service position. The final candidate will undergo an FBI background check and employment is conditional upon its completion. Further background investigation may be required. This position is subject to the availability of funds and is open until filled. All responses will remain confidential. More than one position may be filled with this ad. Applicants under Vacancy No. 2026-03 will be considered under this vacancy and do not need to reapply. Incomplete applications, or those not adhering to the application instructions will not be considered. The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr