Assistant Federal Public Defender

Federal Public Defender, Western District of Texas; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Texas seeks an Assistant Federal Public Defender to be stationed in the Midland office. You will represent clients charged with federal offenses and matters under the Criminal Justice Act.

Duties include preparing motions, conducting thorough legal research, reviewing complex records, and providing high‑quality courtroom advocacy. You will communicate with the court, opposing counsel, clients, witnesses, and colleagues.

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).

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

Strong writing and oral advocacy

Aptitude for excellence in criminal

Indigent defense commitment

Integrity and professionalism

Team‑oriented with collaboration and

Spanish language fluency

Background check compliance

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].