Job Details for Assistant Federal Public Defender
| Court Name/Organization | Guam Federal Public Defenders |
| Overview of the Position | The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands is accepting applications for a full-time Assistant Federal Public Defender position to be based in the Guam office. Our office is committed to the zealous and professional representation of individuals who cannot afford to hire counsel and are accused or convicted of criminal offenses in the U.S. District Courts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Through the collaborative efforts of our attorneys and staff, our office provides clients with the best defense that money can’t buy. Federal Public Defender Office employees are members of the judicial branch of government, are considered at-will and are not covered by the Civil Service Reform Act. Federal Public Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law. |
| Location | Maite, GU |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 05/29/2026 - 07/02/2026 |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Salary | Not specified |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands is accepting applications for a full-time Assistant Federal Public Defender position to be based in the Guam office. Review the applicable full announcement, requirements and selection criteria on our website.
This position is for a licensed attorney. The ideal candidate must have graduated from an accredited law school and be a member in good standing in all courts in which admitted to practice, but a Guam bar license and knowledge of Ninth Circuit case law is strongly preferred though not required; litigation experience, writing and advocacy skills; the ability to work in a team environment; at least 3 years of criminal experience; and must be a United States citizen or eligible to work in the United States. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation.
Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience and is payable only by electronic funds transfer (direct deposit). Federal government employment benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Federal Public Defender Office employees are members of the judicial branch of government, are considered at-will and are not covered by the Civil Service Reform Act. Federal Public Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.
Application Info
No telephone inquiries. Before applying, review the full announcement as noted above. To apply, send a cover letter, resume, one writing sample, three references and a Judicial Branch Federal Employment (AO 78) application form in a single PDF document to Renate Grimes, administrative officer, with the subject line: “Guam Assistant Federal Public Defender Application.” All application materials must be received by July 2, 2026, 5 p.m. (Guam time), however, interviews will occur on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled before that date. Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted. All responses will remain confidential. This position is open until filled and is subject to the availability of funding.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.