About This Position
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.
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.
Major 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.
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.
Education
The successful applicant must be a graduate from an accredited law school.
How You Will Be Evaluated
We will review your resume and supporting documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and evaluate your relevant professional, educational, and work experiences as it relates to fundamental competencies, identified in the Qualifications section above, required for this position.
Additional Information
The position is "at-will" employment in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive civil service. This position is subject to the availability of funds. 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
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 [email protected]. 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.
Required Documents
Completed AO78 Judicial Branch Application Cover letter Resume Writing sample that is approximately 10 pages or less and contains legal analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD) / Norfolk position at U.S. Courts?
The salary range for this position is $77,990 - $197,100/yr. This is a AD-21/29 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD) / Norfolk job located?
This position is located in Detroit, Michigan. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
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 th...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Mar 6, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does AD-21/29 mean?
AD-21/29 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.