Job Details for CJA Coordinating Attorney
| Court Name/Organization | Kansas Federal Public Defender |
| Overview of the Position | The CJA Coordinating Attorney is an experienced criminal defense attorney who coordinates and oversees the CJA panel of private attorneys. This panel provides high quality representation to people charged with federal crimes and who cannot afford counsel, as described in the Criminal Justice Act, 18 USC § 3006A. The CJA Coordinating Attorney supervises an independent and dedicated team within the FPD to provide resources and support for the panel, administer the CJA program, and ensure that best practices are honored. They work to ensure that counsel are fully and timely compensated and have the necessary training, education, and resources to provide a high level of representation. The CJA Coordinating Attorney serves as a liaison for the panel attorneys with the Court and the FPD. The CJA Coordinating Counsel may not engage in private practice of law. |
| Location | Topeka, KS |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 09/23/2025 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Salary | $165,000 - $193,000 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://ks.fd.org/join/employment |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
The Criminal Justice Act (CJA) provides a hybrid system of counsel appointed to represent people charged in federal court who cannot afford to pay for their own defense. Counsel are appointed by the Court from the Federal Public Defender Office and from the CJA panel of private attorneys.
The CJA Coordinating Attorney is an experienced criminal defense attorney who coordinates and oversees the CJA panel of private attorneys. This panel provides high quality representation to people charged with federal crimes and who cannot afford counsel, as described in the Criminal Justice Act, 18 USC § 3006A. The CJA Coordinating Attorney supervises an independent and dedicated team within the FPD to provide resources and support for the panel, administer the CJA program, and ensure that best practices are honored. They work to ensure that counsel are fully and timely compensated and have the necessary training, education, and resources to provide a high level of representation. The CJA Coordinating Attorney serves as a liaison for the panel attorneys with the Court and the FPD. The CJA Coordinating Counsel may not engage in private practice of law.
Qualifications
You must
- Have a degree from an accredited law school
- Be admitted to practice and in good standing before the highest court of any state or the District of Columbia (you are not required to be a member of the Kansas state bar)
- Be admitted (by the time of duty) to the D. Kan. bar
- Residency requirements can be found here
- Be committed to our mission and work well in a team environment
You should
- Have experience in federal criminal defense practice
- Have excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
- Have strong computer and technological skills
Also
- Experience with the CJA panel and with eVoucher is a plus.
- Training for this position will be provided.
- Some work-from-home may be available.
Employee Benefits
Kansas FPD employees enjoy experience-based salaries. The salary range is up to $165,000 for 7 years of experience and up to $193,000 for 15 years or more. The FPD also offers generous benefits:
- 11 paid holidays, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and Juneteenth
- Federal Employees Retirement System
- Thrift Savings Plan
- Health (100+ options)
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance (basic, standard, additional, family)
- Flex Spending Accounts
- Commuter Benefit Program
- Sick Leave
- Annual Leave
- Nationwide leave transfer program
- Worker’s Comp
- Disability Retirement
- Family and Medical Leave
- 12-weeks paid parental leave
- Bring your infant to work (up to 6 months)
- Education and training
- Awards (cash, time-off)
Miscellaneous
The Criminal Justice Act (CJA) provides a hybrid system of counsel appointed to represent people charged in federal court who cannot afford to pay for their own defense. Counsel are appointed by the Court from the Federal Public Defender Office and from the CJA panel of private attorneys.
The CJA Coordinating Attorney is an experienced criminal defense attorney who coordinates and oversees the CJA panel of private attorneys. This panel provides high quality representation to people charged with federal crimes and who cannot afford counsel, as described in the Criminal Justice Act, 18 USC § 3006A. The CJA Coordinating Attorney supervises an independent and dedicated team within the FPD to provide resources and support for the panel, administer the CJA program, and ensure that best practices are honored. They work to ensure that counsel are fully and timely compensated and have the necessary training, education, and resources to provide a high level of representation. The CJA Coordinating Attorney serves as a liaison for the panel attorneys with the Court and the FPD. The CJA Coordinating Counsel may not engage in private practice of law.
Application Info
Send a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references in a single pdf document to ksfpd@fd.org. Preference will be given to applications received by Oct. 23, 2025. We may fill current and future positions from this position announcement. This position is subject to approval of funding. No phone inquiries.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.