Federal Public Defender

The Federal Public Defender, functioning under the authority of 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(g)(2)(A) and the Criminal Justice Act Plan for the District of Connecticut, provides criminal defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel. The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Connecticut has offices in Hartford and New Haven. The term of office is four years, with potential for appointment to successive terms. The current authorized annual salary is $195,200.

Duties

As the chief executive of the Office of the Federal Public Defender, the Federal Public Defender holds ultimate responsibility for the administration of the Office. The Office serves as a resource center for all practicing federal defense attorneys in the District, providing regularly scheduled training programs as well as advice and counsel when needed. The Federal Public Defender works nationally with other federal defenders on evolving issues in federal criminal law and other areas of shared concern.

The Federal Public Defender supervises a staff of assistant federal defenders, research and writing attorneys, investigators, paralegals, mitigation specialists, and support personnel.

Salary

• $195,200/year

Conditions of Employment

• The selected nominee will be required to complete a background investigation prior to appointment.
• The Federal Public Defender may not engage in the private practice of law.

Qualifications

Applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

1. be a member in good standing in the bar of the state in which the candidate is admitted to practice;
2. have a minimum of five years criminal practice experience, preferably with significant federal criminal trial experience, which demonstrates an ability to provide zealous representation of consistently high quality to criminal defendants;
3. possess the ability to effectively administer the office, including the following management areas: Budget, procurement, and travel; Human resources; Space, facilities, and property;
4. have a reputation for integrity; and
5. demonstrate a commitment to the representation of those unable to afford counsel.

Other Information Applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Original application; and
4. An original writing sample not to exceed 10 pages

How to Apply

Application forms are posted on the Court's website at http://www.ca2.uscourts.gov and provide detailed instructions how to apply.

Completed application packages must be emailed as a single PDF attachment to fpd_application@ca2.uscourts.gov and received no later than December 1, 2025.

Benefits The federal judiciary offers a very competitive total compensation package. Total compensation includes not only the numbers you see on your paycheck, but also the "hidden value" provided by your employee benefits.