Job Details for AFPD Trial 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 in the Trial Unit. 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. Applicants must be committed to zealous representation of the indigent accused, and must be committed to protecting their constitutional interests while providing holistic representation. Our office mission requires that each employee embrace our core values of compassion, courage, competency, creativity, and collaboration. |
| Location | Little Rock, AR |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 06/16/2026 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | AD 21 - AD 29 |
| Salary | $76,748 - $197,100 |
| Announcement Number | 2026-07 |
Position Description
The selected applicant should expect to defend the full range of federal criminal offenses, including guns, drugs, child pornography, white collar, and immigration matters. Travel is required for case work and training.
Qualifications
Applicants must be members in good standing of a state bar, and eligible for admission to the Eastern District of Arkansas.
General Experience
Ideal candidates will have criminal litigation experience, excellent oral and written communication, excellent research skills, demonstrated ability to work with a team, ability to multitask and meet concrete deadlines, 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
Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is commensurate with experience and education, and is comparable to that of Assistant U.S. Attorneys with similar qualifications and experience. The position is excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service.
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.
A final offer of employment is subject to a successful background check. No phone calls or follow-up emails, please.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.