Description

KANSAS FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER

Position Announcement - EXTENDED

Assistant Federal Public Defender

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Priority given to applications received by March 14, 2026

The Kansas Federal Public Defender (FPD) is accepting applications for an entry-level Assistant Federal Public Defender position in the Kansas City, Topeka, or Wichita office. The Kansas FPD provides legal representation to indigent clients in federal criminal cases and related matters. The FPD values hard work, diversity, teamwork, creativity, flexibility, and fairness.

The Job: This is an entry-level position that requires self-motivation, flexibility, and a good work ethic. There are four essential aspects to this position. First , the attorney will handle the misdemeanor dockets within Kansas (Ft. Riley, Ft. Leavenworth, McConnell Air Force Base, federal lands). Second , the attorney will handle motions to modify conditions of supervised release and motions to terminate supervised release. Third , the attorney will handle non-capital postconviction matters, including motions to reduce sentences (generally involving compassionate release and retroactive guidelines). Fourth , the attorney will handle the bulk of legal inquiries (phone calls and letters) from convicted persons and others. If time permits, the attorney may also participate in jury trials as a second (or third) chair, assist trial attorneys with legal research and writing, and handle revocations of supervised release.

Requirements . The successful applicant must:

• Have a strong academic background;
• Have a law degree from an accredited law school;
• Be licensed to practice and in good standing in at least one State or Washington, D.C.; • Have a strong interest in indigent defense and federal criminal law;
• Possess above-average research and writing skills;
• Possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and court and agency personnel;
• Possess strong oral advocacy and interpersonal skills;
• Work effectively in a team and collaborative environment.

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate with other attorneys and support staff; to work well independently; to multi-task; to handle a larger caseload of less complex cases; and be motivated to help indigent clients at the pretrial, posttrial, and postconviction stages. Although this is labeled an entry-level position, experienced attorneys who want a change of pace and are interested in the job description are also encouraged to apply. Some travel within Kansas is required. Applicants must also be allowed to work in the United States (see here ) .

Salary and Benefits : The starting salary range depends on experience: The starting salary range is between $85,000 to $115,000 for less than 3 years of experience; up to $145,000 for 7 years' experience; up to $197,100 for at least 15 years' experience. Benefits include:

• 11 paid holidays
• Possible Public Service Loan Forgiveness • Federal Employees Retirement System • Thrift Savings Plan
• Health insurance (100+ options) • Dental insurance (16 options)
• Vision insurance (10 options)
• Life insurance
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Commuter Benefit Program
• Long term- & short-term disability • Long-term care
• Transportation subsidy
• Employee Assistance Program • WorkLife4You (living well) • Sick leave
• Annual leave
• Nationwide leave transfer program • Worker's comp
• Disability retirement
• Family and medical leave
• 12-weeks paid parental leave • Infant at Work program
• Awards (cash, time-off)

How to Apply : Please send a letter of interest, resume, a short writing sample, and three professional references in a single pdf document to ksfpd@fd.org . We may fill current and future positions from this position announcement. This position is subject to approval of funding. No phone inquiries.

The Kansas Federal Public Defender is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Diversity and dignity are central to our work. We hire without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, height, weight, veteran status, military obligations, or marital or parental status. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment in any personnel decisions or employee interactions.