Assistant Federal Public Defender

Federal-Public-Defender,-Western-District-of-Texa; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits under FERS

FEHB health benefits

FEDVIP dental/vision insurance

FEGLI life insurance

Job summary

The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Texas is seeking an Assistant Federal Public Defender to be stationed in the Midland office. The role involves representing clients in federal criminal matters and related cases under the Criminal Justice Act.

Key duties include preparing motions, conducting legal research, and providing high-quality courtroom advocacy while maintaining ongoing professional development in criminal defense.

Qualifications

• Three to five years of federal criminal trial experience preferred.
• Strong writing and oral advocacy skills.
• Proven capacity for excellence in criminal defense practice.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients charged with federal criminal offenses and other matters under the CJA.
• 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 personnel, opposing counsel, clients, witnesses, and colleagues.
• Maintain up-to-date expertise in criminal defense and pursue ongoing training.

Skills

Spanish language fluency

Strong writing skills

Oral advocacy

Team collaboration

Job description

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.

POSITION DUTIES

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.

MINIMUM 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).

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].