Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD) / Richmond

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Virginia is accepting applications for an Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD) position in our Richmond location. Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, the office provides legal representation to indigent defendants in federal criminal cases and related matters.

Duties

AFPDs represent clients in federal court at every stage of the federal criminal process, prepare written submissions, work collaboratively with other attorneys and staff, conduct client interviews and directs the defense investigation in the representation of indigent federal criminal defendants in the Richmond division of the Eastern District of Virginia. This position may require work on holidays, evenings, and weekends, as the nature of assigned cases require.

Salary

• $80,170 - $197,100/year

Conditions of Employment

The final candidate for each position will undergo an FBI background check and employment is conditional upon its completion. Further background investigation may be required.

Qualifications

A successful applicant must be an attorney who demonstrates strong research and writing abilities and has experience in criminal law, including familiarity with federal sentencing guidelines. Applicants must have a reputation for personal and professional integrity, as well as a demonstrated commitment to indigent criminal defense and possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and court personnel. Applicants must be licensed by and have good standing before the highest court of any state, the District of Columbia, or the Supreme Court of the United States. Applicants must also be authorized to work in the United States.

The physical demands of the position are those required to successfully perform the duties described above. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. The AFPD will spend most of their time in an office environment consistent with our telework policy. The individual must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Travel within the state will be necessary and a valid driver's license is required.

Education The successful applicant must be a graduate from an accredited law school. Other Information This position is "at-will" employment in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive civil service positions. This position is subject to the availability of funds and is open until filled. All responses will remain confidential. More than one position may be filled from this announcement. Telework and flex scheduling consistent with court obligations and position duties are available to all employees. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). The Office of Federal Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer Required Documents

• Completed AO78 Judicial Branch Application
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Writing sample that is approximately 10 pages or less and contains legal analysis.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, email a single PDF containing a completed AO78 Judicial Branch Application, cover letter, resume, and a writing sample that is approximately 10 pages or less and contains legal analysis to FPDedva_hiring@fd.org. You must include the job announcement number in the subject line.

This position will remain open until filled with preference given to those who apply by March 6, 2026. For required documents or additional information, visit the Employment section of https://vae.fd.org. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted; please do not contact the office.

Benefits A generous benefits package is available to full-time permanent court employees including: Paid vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, and 12 paid federal holidays per year. Optional participation in Federal Employees Health Benefits plans (health, dental and vision); Federal Employees. Group Life Insurance; Flexible Benefits Program; Long-Term Care Insurance; Health Care Reimbursement (HCRA) and Dependent Care Reimbursement (HCRA). Public transportation subsidy, Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Optional participation in Thrift Savings Plan (up to 5% employer matched contributions). Public Service Loan Forgiveness program pursuant to the term of the (PSLF)