Job Details for Assistant Federal Public Defender
| Court Name/Organization | Texas Western Federal Public Defender |
| Overview of the Position | The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Texas is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Federal Public Defender, to be stationed in the Midland office. |
| Location | Midland, TX |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 08/28/2026 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Salary | $76,748 - $180,078 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://txw.fd.org/ |
| Announcement Number | 26-51 |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
The Assistant Federal Public Defender will represent clients charged with federal criminal offenses and clients involved in other matters covered under the Criminal Justice Act. Regular responsibilities include:
- Provide high‑quality legal representation and courtroom advocacy.
- Prepare motions and related legal documents.
- Conduct thorough legal research and analyze statutes, case law, and sentencing guidelines.
- Review complex records and identify key legal issues.
- Communicate effectively with court or agency personnel, opposing counsel, clients, witnesses, and colleagues.
- Maintain up‑to‑date expertise in criminal defense and pursue ongoing training.
- Perform other assigned duties.
Qualifications
- Three to five years of federal criminal trial experience preferred.
- Strong writing and oral advocacy skills.
- Proven capacity or clear aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice.
- Commitment to representing indigent accused individuals.
- Demonstrated integrity and professionalism.
- Team‑oriented with strong collaboration and strategic‑litigation skills.
- Spanish language fluency.
- Employment contingent on a satisfactory background check (FBI name & fingerprints).
Employee Benefits
- Retirement benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System.
- Optional participation in Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB).
- Optional participation in Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
- Optional participation in Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
- Position is excepted service, without competitive civil service tenure.
Application Info
- Cover letter and resume.
- Three professional references with their contact information.
- Form AO 78 - All sections of the AO-78 must be completed in full, with dates in the following format: mm/dd/yyyy.
- Apply at Openings at Federal Public Defender, Western District of Texas. Attach your cover letter, resume, references and the AO-78 in one pdf. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
To request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, contact personnel administrator at 210-472-6700.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.