Job Details for Assistant Federal Public Defender - Appellate Unit
| Court Name/Organization | New Jersey Federal Public Defender |
| Overview of the Position | The Federal Public Defender (FPD) for the District of New Jersey is accepting applications for an Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD) in its appellate unit. The preferred duty station for this position is Newark, but other duty stations (Trenton and Camden) may also be considered. The FPD operates under the authority of Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 3006A(g)(2)(A), to provide legal services by court appointment to individuals unable to afford counsel. |
| Location | Newark, NJ |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 03/12/2026 - 04/11/2026 |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Salary | Not specified |
| Announcement Number | 2026-03 |
Position Description
Appellate AFPDs primarily represent indigent federal defendants in direct criminal appeals and postconviction litigation in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Core job duties include researching and analyzing legal issues, drafting briefs, and presenting oral argument. Appellate AFPDs consult with trial AFPDs to raise and preserve legal issues for appeal and assist trial AFPDs with drafting motions and sentencing memoranda. They are also expected to develop and maintain expertise in multiple areas of law, provide training as needed by the office, and serve as a resource to CJA counsel (panel attorneys).
Qualifications
Applicants must (1) be a graduate of an accredited law school and admitted to practice and in good standing before the highest court of a state; and (2) be eligible to be licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Selection Criteria
Applicants must possess excellent written and oral communication skills. Applicants must 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 integrity. Applicants should be team-oriented and collaborative. Three or more years of state or federal criminal defense experience (including clerkships) is preferred but not required.
Employee Benefits
The salary of an AFPD is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position offers federal government employment benefits, including participation in health and life insurance programs, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). The position is “at will” excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of competitive civil service.
Miscellaneous
Appellate AFPDs primarily represent indigent federal defendants in direct criminal appeals and postconviction litigation in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Core job duties include researching and analyzing legal issues, drafting briefs, and presenting oral argument. Appellate AFPDs consult with trial AFPDs to raise and preserve legal issues for appeal and assist trial AFPDs with drafting motions and sentencing memoranda. They are also expected to develop and maintain expertise in multiple areas of law, provide training as needed by the office, and serve as a resource to CJA counsel (panel attorneys).
Application Info
Interested applicants should email in one pdf document a letter of interest, a resume, a writing sample, and the names and contact information of three professional references to the attention of: K. Anthony Thomas, federal public defender, via email to: NJX_AppellateResume@fd.org
If an offer of employment is extended, the applicant must complete a background security investigation including an FBI name search and IRS tax check. Fingerprints and photographs will be taken. Appointment will be subject to the applicant’s successful completion of a security investigation and a favorable report.
No phone calls, please. Only submissions following the required format will be considered. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Federal Public Defender follows an Employee Dispute Resolution Plan approved by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.