Job Details for Assistant Federal Public Defender
| Court Name/Organization | Colorado Federal Public Defender |
| Overview of the Position | The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Districts of Colorado and Wyoming seeks a superior trial attorney to join our team in either the Casper or Cheyenne office. Effective August 25, 2025, the Wyoming Branch Office will separate from the Colorado office and become the first Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Wyoming. The Federal Defender Organization operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act (18 U.S.C. § 3006A) to represent individuals unable to afford counsel and prosecuted in our federal courts. Our office is committed to serving the distinct needs of our clients with a diverse group of dedicated professionals who collaborate with, listen to, and advocate on behalf of one another. We welcome and value individuals of any race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, age, veteran status, and other statuses protected by law. |
| Location | Casper, Cheyenne, WY |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 06/18/2025 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | AD 21 - AD 29 |
| Salary | $73,939 - $173,485 |
Position Description
This is a full-time, fully funded position, stationed in either Casper or Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD) provides zealous, professional legal representation at every stage of the case. Our cases are complex and diverse. They require comprehensive legal research, extensive motions practice, and frequent courtroom litigation, including jury trials. The District of Wyoming encompasses the entire state of Wyoming, including the Wind River Indian Reservation. Extensive travel is required, and attorneys should anticipate attending court appearances in both Casper and Cheyenne. Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.
Qualifications
Applicants must be 1) a graduate of an accredited law school; 2) licensed by the highest court of a state, federal territory, or the District of Columbia; 3) a member in good standing in all courts admitted to practice; and 4) a United States citizen, or a person authorized to work in the United States and receive compensation from this agency. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including an FBI name and fingerprint check, and an IRS tax check.
The successful applicant will have at least seven years of substantial experience in criminal defense. Substantial experience includes primary responsibility for jury trials in felony cases, challenging and examining scientific expert witnesses, dispositive motions practice, sentencing mitigation, and management of voluminous discovery. A strong and established work ethic, a demonstrated commitment to criminal defense, a team-oriented, professional demeanor, and a reputation for personal integrity are essential. Superior research, writing, and oral advocacy skills are required.
Employee Benefits
This is an “Excepted Appointment” full-time position with federal benefits and salary commensurate with experience and qualifications within the range of AD-21 to AD-29 ($73,939 - $173,485). Among the many benefits of employment are the Federal Employees Retirement System, the Thrift Savings Plan (401(k)), paid annual and sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, and health, life, disability, long-term care, dental, and vision insurance. Salary is payable only by direct deposit.
Miscellaneous
This is a full-time, fully funded position, stationed in either Casper or Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD) provides zealous, professional legal representation at every stage of the case. Our cases are complex and diverse. They require comprehensive legal research, extensive motions practice, and frequent courtroom litigation, including jury trials. The District of Wyoming encompasses the entire state of Wyoming, including the Wind River Indian Reservation. Extensive travel is required, and attorneys should anticipate attending court appearances in both Casper and Cheyenne. Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.
Application Info
Qualified applicants should apply via email by submitting a letter of interest, a resume, and a writing sample that is your own work to Veronica Knights, Personnel Administrator, at employment@cofpd.org. Subject reference should be AFPD Position – Wyoming. Interviews will be conducted in person or via videoconference.
Due to the high volume of applications anticipated, the Office of the Federal Public Defender will only contact candidates who are considered for interviews. Applicants selected for interviews must travel at their own expense and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed. No phone calls, please.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.