Job Details for Federal Public Defender
| Court Name/Organization | Washington Western Federal Public Defender |
| Overview of the Position | The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit invites applications from all qualified persons for the position of Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Washington. The term of office is four years, with potential for appointment to successive terms. The current authorized annual salary is $195,200. The position will be available starting May 5, 2026. |
| Location | Seattle, WA |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 10/02/2025 - 11/03/2025 |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Salary | Not specified |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
The Federal Public Defender, functioning under the authority of 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(g)(2)(A) and the Criminal Justice Act Plan of the Western District of Washington, provides criminal defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel. The Federal Public Defender manages an annual budget of $15 million and an office of about 55 employees, including attorneys, paralegals, investigators, and administrative personnel. The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Washington is headquartered in Seattle, where the Defender is primarily based, and maintains a branch office in Tacoma.
Qualifications
Applicants must satisfy the following conditions: (1) be admitted to practice before the highest court of at least one state or U.S. territory and be a member in good standing of every bar of which they are a member; (2) have a minimum of 10 years of criminal law practice, preferably with significant federal criminal trial and appellate experience; (3) possess the ability to lead, manage, and effectively administer a defender office and a demonstrated commitment to maintaining an ethical and civil workplace environment; (4) possess a commitment to supporting a diverse workforce and creating fair and equal opportunities for employees to succeed; and (5) possess and have a verifiable reputation for integrity and good character, a commitment to equal justice under the law and vigorous representation of those unable to afford counsel, and outstanding legal ability and competence.
Miscellaneous
The Federal Public Defender, functioning under the authority of 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(g)(2)(A) and the Criminal Justice Act Plan of the Western District of Washington, provides criminal defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel. The Federal Public Defender manages an annual budget of $15 million and an office of about 55 employees, including attorneys, paralegals, investigators, and administrative personnel. The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Washington is headquartered in Seattle, where the Defender is primarily based, and maintains a branch office in Tacoma.
Application Info
A Local Screening Committee will review all applications and interview the most qualified candidates. The screening committee will refer the most qualified candidates to the Ninth Circuit Standing Committee on Federal Public Defenders, who will refer the best qualified candidate to the Court of Appeals for selection and appointment.
The application form and further information are available at https://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/fpd or from the Office of the Circuit Executive at cja@ce9.uscourts.gov or 415-355-8988. Applicants are advised to allow for sufficient time to complete and submit the application.
A PDF copy of the completed and signed application, including a current resume or CV, law school transcripts, state bar certifications of good standing, and optional letters of reference must be emailed to cja@ce9.uscourts.gov no later than Nov. 3, 2025. Letters of reference not included with the application will not be considered.
Submission Deadline: Nov. 3, 2025
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.