Assistant Federal Public Defender

United States Courts; Cheyenne (WY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Federal benefits

401(k) plan

Paid leave

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

The Wyoming Federal Public Defender in Cheyenne seeks a superior trial attorney to join our team. The AFPD provides zealous representation at all stages of federal cases. Our office emphasizes comprehensive research, motions practice, and frequent courtroom litigation.

Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or authorized to work in the United States. Seven years of substantial criminal defense experience are required, with extensive travel to Casper and Cheyenne.

Qualifications

• Seven+ years of substantial experience in criminal defense.
• Experience leading jury trials in felony cases.
• Experience challenging and examining scientific expert witnesses.
• Dispositive motions practice and sentencing mitigation.
• Strong research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Licensed to practice law and in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Provide zealous, professional legal representation at every stage of federal cases.
• Extensive motions practice and comprehensive legal research.
• Frequent courtroom litigation, including jury trials.
• Travel as required to Casper and Cheyenne for appearances.
• Defend clients while adhering to Federal Defender policies and ethical requirements.

Job description

Court Name/Organization Wyoming Federal Public Defender

Overview of the Position The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Wyoming seeks a superior trial attorney to join our team in the Cheyenne office. The Federal Defender Organization operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act (18 U.S.C. § 3006A) to represent individuals unable to afford counsel who are prosecuted in federal court. Our office is committed to serving the distinct needs of our clients with a diverse group of dedicated professionals who collaborate with, listen to, and advocate on behalf of one another. We welcome and value individuals of any race, color, religion, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, age, veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.

This is a full-time, fully funded position, stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD) provides zealous, professional legal representation at every stage of the case. Our cases are complex and diverse. They require comprehensive legal research, extensive motions practice, and frequent courtroom litigation, including jury trials. The District of Wyoming encompasses the entire state of Wyoming, including the Wind River Indian Reservation. Extensive travel is required, and attorneys should anticipate attending court appearances in both Casper and Cheyenne. Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.

Position posted on Oct. 21, 2026. Open until filled. With preference given to applications received by Nov. 11, 2026.

Qualifications

Applicants must be 1) a graduate of an accredited law school; 2) licensed by the highest court of a state, federal territory, or the District of Columbia; 3) a member in good standing in all courts admitted to practice; and 4) a U.S. citizen, or a person authorized to work in the United States and receive compensation from this agency. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including an FBI name and fingerprint check, and an IRS tax check.

The successful applicant will have at least seven years of substantial experience in criminal defense. Substantial experience includes primary responsibility for jury trials in felony cases, challenging and examining scientific expert witnesses, dispositive motions practice, sentencing mitigation, and management of voluminous discovery. A strong and established work ethic, demonstrated commitment to criminal defense, a team-oriented professional demeanor, and a reputation for personal integrity are essential. Superior research, writing, and oral advocacy skills are required.

Employee Benefits

This is an “Excepted Appointment” full-time position with federal benefits and salary commensurate with experience and qualifications within the range of AD 26 to AD 29 ($95,197 - $180,078). Among the many benefits of employment are the Federal Employees Retirement System, the Thrift Savings Plan (401(k)), paid annual and sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, and health, life, disability, long-term care, dental, and vision insurance. Salary is payable only by direct deposit. This position is subject to funding availability

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.