Job Details for Assistant Federal Public Defender
| Court Name/Organization | Mississippi Southern Federal Public Defender |
| Overview of the Position | The Federal Public Defender is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Federal Public Defender to be stationed in Gulfport, MS. The federal defender organization operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court. The organization has staffed offices in Jackson, Gulfport, and Oxford. |
| Location | Gulfport, MS |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 02/04/2026 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Salary | Not specified |
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. The position requires travel for investigation, litigation, and training. Frequent travel to Hattiesburg for court and client visits may be required. Federal Public Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.
Qualifications
Candidates for this position must demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality representation to persons charged with federal offenses. Our organization is dedicated to public defense and client-centered representation. We are seeking a team player that embraces the goal of equal access to justice. The service we provide is constitutionally mandated by the Sixth Amendment. Applicants for assistant federal public defender must be a graduate of an accredited law school. Requirements also include admission and in good standing before the federal bar, in combination with admission and good standing to the state bar. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation.
General Experience
The successful applicant will have an established capacity or clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and a reputation for personal integrity. Candidates must have strong research and writing skills in addition to legal analysis, and communication skills.
Employee Benefits
The salary of an assistant federal public defender is commensurate with that of an assistant U.S. attorney with similar qualifications and experience. The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position includes regular Government employment benefits including health and life insurance, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). An offer of employment is subject to the availability of funds.
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. The position requires travel for investigation, litigation, and training. Frequent travel to Hattiesburg for court and client visits may be required. Federal Public Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.
Application Info
Qualified persons may apply by forwarding a letter of interest, résumé, and representative writing sample. Email the documents to: dean_applegate@fd.org Open until filled.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.