Assistant Federal Public Defender

United States Courts; Del Rio (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Texas Western Federal Public Defender's Office in Del Rio is seeking an Assistant Federal Public Defender to represent clients charged with federal offenses. The successful candidate will handle federal criminal cases, prepare motions, conduct legal research, and advocate in court while maintaining commitment to indigent defense and ongoing professional development in a team-focused environment.

This role requires collaboration with staff, investigators, and support personnel; Spanish

Qualifications

• Three to five years of federal criminal trial experience preferred.
• Strong writing and oral advocacy skills.
• Commitment to representing indigent accused individuals.
• Demonstrated integrity and professionalism.
• Spanish language fluency.
• Team-oriented with collaboration and strategic litigation skills.
• Employment contingent on a satisfactory background check (FBI name & fingerprints).

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Federal criminal trial experience

Writing skills

Oral advocacy

Indigent defense commitment

Integrity & professionalism

Team collaboration

Spanish language fluency

Background check clearance

Job description

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 Del Rio office. 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.

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.

To request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, contact personnel administrator at [phone].

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.