Job Details for Assistant Federal Defender Opportunities - Capital Habeas Unit
| Court Name/Organization | Missouri Western Federal Public Defender |
| Location | Kansas City, MO |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 04/21/2026 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | JSP |
| Salary | $78,000 - $197,100 |
Position Description
Our CHU represents death-sentenced prisoners in their federal habeas corpus proceedings in Missouri and multiple other states. We represent clients in all stages of their federal court litigation, including clemency. Writing, research and organizational skills are imperative.
Regular responsibilities include working with clients; digesting large case files and investigative materials; developing litigation strategies; drafting pleadings; conducting evidentiary hearings; presenting oral arguments; working with experts and other witnesses; supervising teams of investigators, paralegals, assistant paralegals, and case experts.
This position may require work on holidays, evenings, and weekends. Frequent travel within Missouri as well as to other states may be required.
Qualifications
- All applicants must be a member in good standing of a state bar within the United States.
- It is preferable, although not required, that applicants have a minimum of five years’ experience in habeas corpus litigation or equivalent criminal law experience at the appellate or post-conviction level.
- The preferred candidate will have an established capacity or clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in capital defense.
- Applicants must have strong written and oral advocacy skills, work well in teams, and be effective organizers.
- Applicants will be expected to possess excellent on-line research skills in either Lexis or Westlaw and have solid MS Word skills.
- Our ideal candidate will have an established commitment to indigent criminal defense and zealous advocacy.
The Federal Defender strives for staff diversity, encouraging women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
Employee Benefits
The Office of the Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide legal representation in federal criminal cases and related matters in the federal courts. This is a full-time permanent position. Salary depends upon the number of years legal experience since graduating law school and ranges match those of Assistant U.S. Attorneys with similar years’ experience. Federal government benefits apply, including retirement; health, life and long-term insurances; a thrift savings program; and flexible spending accounts.
Federal Defender employees are considered “at-will” and are not covered by the Civil Service Reform Act.
Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident in the process of applying for citizenship.
All final candidates are subject to FBI fingerprints and background investigation, including criminal history. The individual hired to perform the duties for this position may be subject to further background investigations when necessary.
Employees are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and Code of Conduct for Federal Public Defender Employees.
Miscellaneous
Our CHU represents death-sentenced prisoners in their federal habeas corpus proceedings in Missouri and multiple other states. We represent clients in all stages of their federal court litigation, including clemency. Writing, research and organizational skills are imperative.
Regular responsibilities include working with clients; digesting large case files and investigative materials; developing litigation strategies; drafting pleadings; conducting evidentiary hearings; presenting oral arguments; working with experts and other witnesses; supervising teams of investigators, paralegals, assistant paralegals, and case experts.
This position may require work on holidays, evenings, and weekends. Frequent travel within Missouri as well as to other states may be required.
Application Info
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references in a single PDF to: MOW_jobs1@fd.org. Early applications are encouraged. No phone calls, please.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.