Job Details for Assistant Federal Public Defender
| Court Name/Organization | Alaska Federal Public Defender |
| Overview of the Position | The Assistant Federal Defender (Trial Attorney) provides every aspect of legal representation to clients charged with federal criminal offenses who are unable to retain counsel. The role includes jury trials, evidentiary hearings, and contested litigation at all stages of a case, as well as sentencing, supervised release matters, post-conviction proceedings, and related appeals, as assigned. This work requires independent judgment, grit, and a willingness to take real responsibility for your cases. Attorneys are expected to prepare thoroughly, litigate contested issues, and exercise professional judgment in high-stakes situations. The work is demanding, but it is grounded in trust. You will be trusted to make difficult decisions in an office that believes strong defense work requires courage, preparation, and backbone. While not every case goes to trial, every case is prepared with the seriousness required to do so when necessary, and that preparation is central to achieving fair outcomes for our clients. AFDs manage a full caseload and work closely with investigators, mitigation specialists, paralegals, and administrative staff in a team-based defense model. The role offers genuine ownership of cases and the opportunity to practice public defense with purpose, integrity, and conviction. |
| Location | Anchorage, AK |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 07/13/2026 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | AD 21 - AD 29 |
| Salary | $86,779 - $197,100 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://ak.fd.org/career/employment |
| Announcement Number | 2026-06 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.