What are the responsibilities and job description for the ASSISTANT FEDERAL DEFENDER - APPEALS position at Defender Association of Philadelphia?
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
ASSISTANT FEDERAL DEFENDER
APPEALS UNIT
One Position
Posting Date: July 16, 2026
Closing Date: September 4, 2026
The Federal Community Defender Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has a vacancy for an Assistant Federal Defender in our Appeals Unit.
Philadelphia, one of America’s most preeminent historical cities, is rich in culture, entertainment, and history. Our office is in Philadelphia’s Center City district, in the historic Curtis building, close to the federal courthouse and across from Independence Mall, the Liberty Bell, and Washington Square Park.
Our Appellate Practice
Our office represents indigent persons charged with federal criminal offenses in the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. This Assistant Federal Defender position is in the Office’s Appeals Unit, which represents such persons in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and in the United States Supreme Court.
Qualifications
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of federal criminal practice experience, with more experience (and particularly federal appellate experience) preferred. Exceptions to this experience requirement may be made for exceptionally well-qualified candidates. Demonstrated working knowledge of federal criminal law, including sentencing guidelines familiarity, is required. Candidates must have strong analytical skills and research and writing capabilities, as well as a commitment to the representation of the indigent. Candidates must also be able to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, staff, government, and court personnel.
Applicants must be members in good standing of the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and eligible to become a member of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Furthermore, applicants must be in good standing of every state bar of which they are admitted. Candidates must state all bar admissions and status in their application.
Applying for the Position, Salary, and Benefits
Interested applicants should apply at Federal Community Defender Careers. A candidate’s application must include a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references. Candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applications received by August 7, 2026, will be given priority consideration. Salary will be based on years of experience consistent with federal guidelines and regulations. The selected candidate will also receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous insurance coverage, dependent and long-term insurance programs, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits program, earned paid time off, and a generous retirement contribution plan. Kindly note that the filling of this position will be subject to the funding restrictions and approval of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.
The Federal Community Defender Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to promoting a professional work environment that supports and respects all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, gender identity, national origin, religion, or disability. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.