To qualify for appointment as the Federal Public Defender applicants must:

a. Be members in good standing of at least one state bar or the District of Columbia or the Virgin Islands bar, and members in good standing of every other bar of which they are members.

b. 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.

c. Possess the ability to administer a Federal Public Defender’s office effectively.

d. Possess, and have a reputation for:

(1) Integrity and good character.

(2) Sound physical and mental health.

(3) Commitment to equal justice under law and vigorous representation of his or her clients.

(4) 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).

e. Have a commitment to the vigorous representation of those unable to afford counsel.

f. 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.

The application is available on the court’s website ; from any federal clerk of court in the states of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, and from:

Ashlyn D. Beck, circuit executive
56 Forsyth Street, NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Applications should be emailed in confidence as one single pdf attachment to the circuit executive’s office at ca11_appointments@ca11.uscourts.gov on or before Dec. 28, 2026. Please indicate Federal Public Defender - ALND in the subject line.