Job Details for Assistant Federal Public Defender (Appellate Unit)
| Court Name/Organization | North Carolina Western Federal Public Defender |
| Overview of the Position | The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of North Carolina seeks an Assistant Federal Public Defender to join our appellate unit. |
| Location | Charlotte, NC |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 02/17/2026 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Salary | $78,459 - $184,093 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
The mission of our appellate unit is to provide high-quality representation to our clients at every stage of a federal criminal case. In addition to handling direct appeals after final judgment, we collaborate extensively with the Asheville and Charlotte trial units to provide legal, strategic, and practical support in pending trial-level cases. We also pursue post-conviction relief in appropriate cases. The duties of this position may include: (1) researching, briefing, and arguing cases in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and, in appropriate cases, seeking or opposing Supreme Court review (and litigating before the Supreme Court if review is granted); (2) assisting the office’s trial units by researching and drafting motions, objections, and memoranda in pending trial-level cases; (3) litigating post-conviction motions arising from retroactive judicial decisions, legislation, or Sentencing Guidelines amendments; and (4) monitoring relevant legal developments and helping to train the office’s lawyers, and other criminal defense practitioners, on the impact of those developments. The balance of responsibilities between these duties will vary depending on the office’s needs at any particular time.
Qualifications
To apply, you must be a graduate of an accredited law school and a member in good standing of the bar of any state or the District of Columbia. Two years or more of attorney experience is preferred. The successful applicant must demonstrate excellent research and writing skills, strong oral advocacy, as well as a commitment to the representation of indigent defendants. To succeed in this position, an applicant must be team-oriented and willing to collaborate with other attorneys and team members to advance each client’s best interests through zealous and compassionate representation.
The physical demands of this 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.
While the preferred duty station for this position is Charlotte, we may consider alternative arrangements for highly qualified candidates. Depending on organizational needs and the candidate’s experience, options such as placement in our Asheville office or remote work – either on a temporary or long-term basis – may be considered.
Employee Benefits
Salary is based on federal pay schedules and is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The current starting salary range for this position, if based in the Charlotte office, is $78,459 to $184,093 per annum. This is an excepted service position with federal employee benefits, including health and life insurance and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension, Social Security, and Thrift Savings Plan. We observe Federal holidays and provide generous annual and personal leave. 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 after successful completion of a probationary period.
Miscellaneous
The mission of our appellate unit is to provide high-quality representation to our clients at every stage of a federal criminal case. In addition to handling direct appeals after final judgment, we collaborate extensively with the Asheville and Charlotte trial units to provide legal, strategic, and practical support in pending trial-level cases. We also pursue post-conviction relief in appropriate cases. The duties of this position may include: (1) researching, briefing, and arguing cases in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and, in appropriate cases, seeking or opposing Supreme Court review (and litigating before the Supreme Court if review is granted); (2) assisting the office’s trial units by researching and drafting motions, objections, and memoranda in pending trial-level cases; (3) litigating post-conviction motions arising from retroactive judicial decisions, legislation, or Sentencing Guidelines amendments; and (4) monitoring relevant legal developments and helping to train the office’s lawyers, and other criminal defense practitioners, on the impact of those developments. The balance of responsibilities between these duties will vary depending on the office’s needs at any particular time.
Application Info
Closing date: Applications received by March 27, 2026, will receive priority consideration. The position will remain open until filled.
Please submit your resume, a letter of interest, and an unedited writing sample in PDF format to:
Amanda Buckner, Personnel Administrator
Subject: Assistant Federal Public Defender (Appeals / Research and Writing)
We welcome requests for accommodations from applicants with disabilities.
Please submit any such requests to Amanda Buckner at WDNCapplication@fd.org or 704-374-0720.
Interviews may be conducted in person or virtually.
Multiple positions might be filled from this posting.
This position is subject to the availability of funds.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.