Job Details for Assistant Federal Public Defender
| Court Name/Organization | Virginia Eastern Federal Public Defender |
| Overview of the Position | The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Virginia is accepting applications for an Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD) position in our Richmond location. Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, the office provides legal representation to indigent defendants in federal criminal cases and related matters. AFPDs represent clients in federal court at every stage of the federal criminal process, prepare written submissions, work collaboratively with other attorneys and staff, conduct client interviews and directs the defense investigation in the representation of indigent federal criminal defendants in the Richmond division of the Eastern District of Virginia. This position may require work on holidays, evenings, and weekends, as the nature of assigned cases require. |
| Location | Richmond, VA |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 02/04/2026 - 03/06/2026 |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Salary | $80,170 - $197,100 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://vae.fd.org/employment |
| Announcement Number | 26-02 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Virginia is accepting applications for an Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD) position in our Richmond location. Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, the office provides legal representation to indigent defendants in federal criminal cases and related matters.
AFPDs represent clients in federal court at every stage of the federal criminal process, prepare written submissions, work collaboratively with other attorneys and staff, conduct client interviews and directs the defense investigation in the representation of indigent federal criminal defendants in the Richmond division of the Eastern District of Virginia. This position may require work on holidays, evenings, and weekends, as the nature of assigned cases require.
Qualifications
A successful applicant must be an attorney who demonstrates strong research and writing abilities and has experience in criminal law, including familiarity with federal sentencing guidelines. Applicants must have a reputation for personal and professional integrity, as well as a demonstrated commitment to indigent criminal defense and possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and court personnel. Applicants must be licensed by and have good standing before the highest court of any state, the District of Columbia, or the Supreme Court of the United States. Applicants must also be authorized to work in the United States.
The physical demands of the position are those required to successfully perform the duties described above. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. The AFPD will spend most of their time in an office environment consistent with our telework policy. The individual must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Travel within the state will be necessary and a valid driver’s license is required.
Employee Benefits
Starting salary will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the applicant, within a range from $80,170 – $197,100 per annum. The positions offers federal employment benefits that include, in part, paid vacation, paid sick time, paid holidays, health insurance, life insurance, retirement plan and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (401k). Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). Telework and flex scheduling consistent with court obligations and position duties are available to all employees.
Miscellaneous
The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Virginia is accepting applications for an Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD) position in our Richmond location. Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, the office provides legal representation to indigent defendants in federal criminal cases and related matters.
AFPDs represent clients in federal court at every stage of the federal criminal process, prepare written submissions, work collaboratively with other attorneys and staff, conduct client interviews and directs the defense investigation in the representation of indigent federal criminal defendants in the Richmond division of the Eastern District of Virginia. This position may require work on holidays, evenings, and weekends, as the nature of assigned cases require.
Application Info
To be considered for a position, email a single PDF containing a completed AO78 Judicial Branch Application, cover letter, resume, and a writing sample that is approximately 10 pages or less and contains legal analysis to FPDedva_hiring@fd.org. This position will remain open until filled with preference given to those who apply by March 6, 2026. You must include the job announcement number in the subject line. For required documents or additional information, please visit the employment section. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted, please do not contact the office.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.