Assistant Federal Public Defender

United States Courts; Jackson (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

FERS retirement system

Thrift Savings Plan (401k)

Paid annual and sick leave

11 federal holidays

Health, life, dental, and vision ins.

Job summary

Tennessee Western Federal Public Defender in Jackson, TN, seeks Assistant Federal Public Defender to represent indigent clients in federal criminal cases. The role operates under the Criminal Justice Act and requires admission to practice in U.S. District Court.

Spanish skills are valued but not required. Applicants must graduate from an accredited law school and be in good standing with the state bar. Experience in federal criminal defense is preferred; background checks apply.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in good standing before the highest court of a state.
• Licensed to practice in U.S. District Court by entrance on duty.
• Excellent research and writing skills and oral advocacy skills.
• Spanish language skills valued but not required.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in federal criminal cases under the Criminal Justice Act.
• Maintain ethical standards and avoid private practice as a public defender.

Skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Oral advocacy

Communication with clients

Criminal defense

Spanish language (valued)

Education

ABA-accredited law degree

Bar admission in good standing

Licensed to practice in U.S. District Court

Job description

Court Name/Organization Tennessee Western Federal Public Defender

Overview of the Position The Office of the Federal Defender for the Western District of Tennessee is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Federal Public Defender to be stationed in the Jackson Office. This office operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide services to indigent persons in federal criminal cases. More than one position may be filled from this announcement.

Location Jackson, TN

Opening and Closing Dates 07/24/2026 - Open Until Filled

Appointment Type Permanent

Salary Not specified

Announcement Number 26-08

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. Federal Public Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.

Qualifications

Applicant must be a graduate of an accredited law school, admitted to practice in good standing before the highest court of a state, and licensed to practice in the U. S. District Court by the time of entrance on duty. Applicants must have excellent research and writing skills and oral advocacy skills. Spanish language skills valued but not required. Applicant will have clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and a reputation for personal integrity. Applicants must also possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, staff, and court and agency personnel as part of their employment. Experience in handling federal criminal cases is preferred. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including an FBI name and fingerprint check.

Employee Benefits

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service.

• Federal Employees Retirement System
• Thrift Savings Plan (401k)
• paid annual and sick leave
• 11 paid federal holidays
• health, life, dental, and vision insurance

Salary is payable only by Direct Deposit.

This is an at-will position and is subject to a probationary period.

The position is subject to the availability of funds.

Application Info

Position will remain open until filled. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. This organization provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities which are decided on a case-by-case basis. No phone calls please.

All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.