Job Details for Research and Writing Attorney
| Court Name/Organization | Virginia Eastern Federal Public Defender |
| Overview of the Position | The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Virginia is accepting applications for a Research & Writing Attorney position in our Alexandria office. Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, our office provides legal representation to indigent defendants in federal criminal cases and related matters. |
| Location | Alexandria, VA |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 07/14/2026 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | FD |
| Salary | $70,263 - $197,200 |
| Announcement Number | 26-09 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
The Research & Writing attorney position provides advanced legal research, writing, and case development support to Assistant Federal Public Defenders. Responsibilities include researching legal issues and drafting motions, pretrial and pre-hearing briefs, memoranda of law, and appellate briefs, including petitions for certiorari; analyzing transcripts and other case records; assisting with case investigation, including digesting records and interviewing witnesses and clients; maintaining client contact; and working with expert witnesses. They also assist at trial and on appeal, and do not ordinarily make court appearances alone absent special circumstances. Additional duties may include mentoring student interns, monitoring developments in criminal law and habeas corpus practice, and tracking relevant cases before the courts of appeals and U.S. Supreme Court. This position may require work outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel, as case needs require.
Qualifications
Applicants must possess excellent legal research and writing skills, strong oral communication abilities, and a strong work ethic. Experience in criminal defense, direct appeals, state post-conviction proceedings, or federal habeas corpus litigation is preferred; other related experience may be considered. Applicants must have a reputation for personal and professional integrity, a demonstrated commitment to indigent defense, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with attorneys, staff, clients, and court personnel. Maturity, good judgment, and the ability to treat others with respect in times of high stress are essential. Applicants must be licensed by and have good standing before the highest court of any state, the District of Columbia, or the Supreme Court of the United States. Applicants must also be authorized to work in the United States.
The physical demands of the position are those required to successfully perform the duties described above. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. The R&W attorney will spend most of their time in an office environment consistent with the telework policy. The individual must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Travel within the state will be necessary and a valid driver’s license is required.
Employee Benefits
Starting salary will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the applicant, within a range from $70,623 - $197,200 per annum. The position offers federal employment benefits that include, in part, paid vacation, paid sick time, paid holidays, health insurance, life insurance, retirement plan and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (401k). Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). Telework and flex scheduling consistent with court obligations and position duties are available to all employees.
Miscellaneous
This position is “at-will” employment in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of a competitive civil service position. The final candidate will undergo an FBI background check and employment is conditional upon its completion. Further background investigation may be required. This position is subject to the availability of funds and is open until filled. All responses will remain confidential. More than one position may be filled with this ad. Incomplete applications, or those not adhering to the application instructions will not be considered.
Application Info
To be considered for this position, email a single PDF containing a completed AO78 Judicial Branch Application, cover letter, resume, and a writing sample that is approximately 10 pages or less and contains legal analysis to FPDedva_hiring@fd.org. This position will remain open until filled with preference given to those who apply by July 31, 2026. You must include the job announcement number (26-09) in the subject line. For required documents or additional information, visit the employment section of our website. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted; please do not contact the office.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.