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 Assistant Federal Public Defender in our Topeka Office. The Kansas FPD provides legal representation to indigent clients in federal criminal cases and related matters. The Office values hard work, diversity, teamwork, creativity, flexibility, and fairness.

The Job: Assistant Federal Public Defenders must meet individual client needs while managing full caseloads. AFPDs develop release plans; review discovery; research, write, and litigate motions; develop litigation strategy; work with experts; negotiate resolutions; serve as counsel in jury trials; navigate complex federal sentencing statutes and guidelines; and advocate for fair sentences and alternative outcomes.

Attorneys in our office may not engage in private practice.

Requirements . The successful applicant must:

• 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 an interest in indigent defense and federal criminal law;
• Possess excellent 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 well 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. 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: 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 insurance
• 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 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.