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Job Details for Assistant Federal Public Defender

Court Name/Organization Pennsylvania Western Federal Public Defender
Overview of the Position The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD). This position is open to candidates interested in working out of our Pittsburgh office or one of our branch offices in Erie or Johnstown.
Location Pittsburgh, PA
Opening and Closing Dates 07/14/2026 - Open Until Filled
Appointment Type Permanent
Salary $79,351 - $197,100
Announcement Number 2026-12

Position Description

The AFPD will represent clients charged with federal criminal offenses and involved in other matters covered under the Criminal Justice Act. Regular responsibilities include working with clients; digesting large case files and investigative materials; developing litigation strategies, including negotiation and mitigation; researching and drafting motions and other filings; conducting evidentiary hearings and trials; working with experts and other witnesses; and leading teams of investigators, mitigation specialists, paralegals, and legal assistants.

Qualifications

The successful applicant must be a graduate from an accredited law school. Courtroom experience is preferred, and excellent research, writing and oral advocacy skills are required, as is a demonstrated commitment to indigent defense. Proficiency in the Spanish language is preferred but not required. The applicant should be prepared to undertake the representation of clients in serious criminal cases and be able to manage a heavy caseload. Travel and working outside regular business hours are essential for the position, as are effective organizational skills and the ability to work in a team environment. Federal Public Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law. The successful candidate will be subject to a general background check and IRS tax check procedure as a condition of employment.

Employee Benefits

This position is full-time with a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Generous Health/Vision/Dental/Life Insurance Coverage
  • Dependent and Long-term Care Insurance Programs
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Commuter Benefit Program, including Mass Transit and Parking Reimbursement Accounts
  • Earned paid time off, including paid sick leave
  • 11 Paid Federal Holidays
  • Up to 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave
  • Mandatory participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System
  • Optional participation in the Thrift Savings Plan retirement account with up to 5% agency matching contributions
  • Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
  • Employee Assistance Program (confidential counseling and assistance)
  • Credit for prior federal service

Application Info

Interested applicants are invited to apply by submitting a single pdf document that includes a cover letter, resume, and writing sample via email to the attention of: Elisa A. Long, Federal Public Defender, paw_employment@fd.org, Subject: 2026-12 One or more positions may be filled from this posting. Hiring for this position is dependent on the availability of funds. No phone calls, please.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.