Job Details for Assistant Federal Public Defender
| Court Name/Organization | Tennessee Western Federal Public Defender |
| Overview of the Position | The Office of the Federal Defender for the Western District of Tennessee is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Federal Public Defender to be stationed in the Memphis Office. This office operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide services to indigent persons in federal criminal cases. This is an authorized backfill from the Office of Defender Services. |
| Location | Memphis, TN |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 11/20/2025 - 12/19/2025 |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Salary | Not specified |
| Announcement Number | 26-02 |
Position Description
The assistant federal public defender will represent clients charged with federal criminal offenses and clients involved in other matters covered under the Criminal Justice Act. Federal Public Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.
Qualifications
Applicant must be a graduate of an accredited law school, admitted to practice in good standing before the highest court of a state, and licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court by the time of entrance on duty. Applicants must have excellent research and writing skills and oral advocacy skills. Spanish fluency/language skills valued but not required. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including an FBI name and fingerprint check.
Specialized Experience
Applicant will have clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and a reputation for personal integrity. Applicants must also possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, staff, and court and agency personnel as part of their employment. A minimum of two years of experience in handling federal criminal cases or three years of progressive criminal law experience is preferred.
Employee Benefits
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. Benefits include the Federal Employees Retirement System, the Thrift Savings Plan (401k), paid annual and sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, and health, life, dental, and vision insurance. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). This is an at-will position and is subject to the availability of funding, as well as a one-year probationary period.
Miscellaneous
The assistant federal public defender will represent clients charged with federal criminal offenses and clients involved in other matters covered under the Criminal Justice Act. Federal Public Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.
Application Info
Qualified applicants may apply by sending a letter of interest, resume, three references, and a recent writing sample to the Office of the Federal Public Defender, Attn: Hiring Committee, 200 Jefferson Ave., Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38103 no later than Dec. 19, 2025. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.