Job Details for Appellate Attorney
| Court Name/Organization | Arkansas Eastern Federal Public Defender |
| Overview of the Position | The Federal Public Defender is accepting applications for an Assistant Federal Public Defender to primarily represent indigent federal defendants in criminal appeals. |
| Location | Little Rock, AR |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 03/17/2026 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | AD 21 - AD 29 |
| Salary | $76,748 - $197,100 |
| Announcement Number | 2026-06 |
Position Description
This is a full-time position located in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Trial Unit represents indigent persons charged with criminal offenses in the U.S. District Court and provides appellate representation in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. This office requires a commitment to zealous representation of the indigent accused and a commitment to protecting their constitutional interests.
The successful candidate should be prepared to write substantive briefs, present oral arguments in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, assist trial counsel in their motions practice, including arguing complex issues before the district court, and litigate post-conviction motions when necessary. Appellate training for in-house attorneys and the CJA panel is also required. The appellate attorney may also be required to handle some direct criminal cases, if necessary.
General Experience
Ideal candidates will have excellent oral and written communication, excellent research skills, a demonstrated ability to work with a team, the ability to multitask and meet concrete deadlines, the ability to handle a high-volume workload, and the ability to aggressively, but civilly, represent the client. Further, the ideal candidate will be client-centered, open-minded, creative, a quick learner, honest, hard-working, energetic, and respectful of others. A working knowledge of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines is preferred.
Employee Benefits
The salary range is $76,748 to 197,100. Employees are members of the judicial branch and considered “at will” employees. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. A final offer of employment is subject to a successful background check.
Miscellaneous
This is a full-time position located in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Trial Unit represents indigent persons charged with criminal offenses in the U.S. District Court and provides appellate representation in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. This office requires a commitment to zealous representation of the indigent accused and a commitment to protecting their constitutional interests.
The successful candidate should be prepared to write substantive briefs, present oral arguments in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, assist trial counsel in their motions practice, including arguing complex issues before the district court, and litigate post-conviction motions when necessary. Appellate training for in-house attorneys and the CJA panel is also required. The appellate attorney may also be required to handle some direct criminal cases, if necessary.
Application Info
To be considered, please send the following in PDF format to Caletta_Jones@fd.org: (1) A letter of interest, (2) a resume, (3) a writing sample, and (4) three references.
Open until filled. No phone calls or follow up emails please.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.