About This Position
The Federal Public Defender provides criminal defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel and supervises a full-time staff of attorneys and administrative and clerical personnel. The selected candidate may sit in any location that the Northern District of Florida has a Federal Public Defender office: Gainesville, Tallahassee, or Pensacola.
Qualifications
Must be a member in good standing of at least one state bar or the District of Columbia or the Virgin Islands bar, and a member in good standing of every other bar of which they are members; Must have been engaged in the active practice of criminal law for a period of at least five years, preferably with significant federal criminal trial and appellate experience; Must possess the ability to administer a Federal Public Defender's office effectively; Must possess, and have a reputation for: integrity and good character; sound physical and mental health; commitment to equal justice under law and vigorous representation of his or her clients; outstanding legal ability and competence (evidenced by substantial legal experience, ability to deal with complex legal problems, aptitude for legal scholarship and writing, and familiarity with courts and court processes); Must have a commitment to the vigorous representation of those unable to afford counsel; and Must not be related by blood or marriage to a judge of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals or to a judge of the district court to be served, within the degrees specified in Title 28, United States Code, Section 458 at the time of the initial appointment.
Major Duties
The Federal Public Defender, under authority of 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(g)(2)(A), provides criminal defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel and supervises a full-time staff of attorneys and administrative and clerical personnel. Although the incumbent Federal Public Defender, Joseph F. DeBelder, intends to seek reappointment to this position, there is no presumptive right to reappointment and the Court will consider all applications under the same standards.
Conditions of Employment
Must be a citizen of the United States or be eligible to work in the United States. Federal public defenders may not engage in the private practice of law and are subject to judiciary financial disclosure requirements.
Education
Must be a graduate of an accredited law school.
How You Will Be Evaluated
A review committee will evaluate all qualified candidates in accordance with the regulations of the Judicial Conference of the United States and the Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit governing the appointment and reappointment of Federal Public Defenders. The Court will consider all applications under the same standards.
Additional Information
The United States Courts are Equal Opportunity Employers
How to Apply
Applications are available at www.ca11.uscourts.gov; from any federal Clerk of Court in the states of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia; and from the Circuit Executive, Ashlyn D. Beck, 56 Forsyth Street, NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. Applications should be emailed in confidence as one single PDF attachment to the Circuit Executive at [email protected] on or before February 12, 2026. Please indicate Federal Public Defender - FLND in the subject line.
Required Documents
Please refer to the "How to Apply" section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Federal Public Defender, Northern District of Florida position at U.S. Courts?
The salary range for this position is $197,200 - $197,200/yr. This is a NA-00 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Federal Public Defender, Northern District of Florida job located?
This position is located in Gainesville, Florida. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Must be a member in good standing of at least one state bar or the District of Columbia or the Virgin Islands bar, and a member in good standing of every other bar of which they are members; Must have been engaged in the active practice of criminal law for a period of at least five years, preferably with significant federal criminal trial and ap...
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 Feb 12, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does NA-00 mean?
NA-00 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.