Assistant Federal Public Defender

The Federal Public Defender for the Southern District of West Virginia, at Charleston, is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Federal Public Defender. The Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide defense services to indigent persons in federal criminal cases and related matters in the federal courts.

Requirements: An Assistant Federal Public Defender must be: (1) a U.S. citizen or eligible to be employed in the United States; (2) a graduate of an accredited law school, and have admission and good standing in a state bar; (3) licensed to practice law in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, or must become so licensed within one year after entrance on duty; and (4) licensed to practice law in the State of West Virginia, or must become so licensed within one year after entrance on duty.

Duties: Assistant Federal Public Defender duties include trials and court hearings, direct appeals to the circuit court, post-conviction and witness representation, and representation in other matters such as supervised release hearings. The position requires travel for investigation, litigation, and training. Federal Public Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.

Selection Criteria: The successful applicant must have a demonstrated capacity or aptitude for excellence in trial and appellate practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and sufficient experience to immediately undertake the defense of serious criminal cases in the United States courts. This position also requires excellent research skills; proficiency in computer-assisted legal research; word processing capability; and time management skills. This position also requires the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, staff, and court and agency personnel.

Conditions of Employment: The selected candidate will be subject to a background check or investigation, including an F.B.I. name and fingerprint check and an I.R.S. tax check, and subsequent favorable suitability determination for employment. Employees of the Federal Public Defender Office are in the excepted service, are considered “at-will” employees, and are not covered by the Civil Service Reform Act. This position will be filled subject to the availability of funds.

Salary and benefits: This is a full-time, permanent position, and federal salary and benefits apply. Salary commensurate with Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the Southern District of West Virginia. This position is subject to mandatory electronic transfer (direct deposit) of net pay.

How to Apply: Qualified persons may apply by submitting a letter of interest, resume, three professional references, law school and undergraduate transcripts, and one writing sample to: Federal Public Defender, U.S. Courthouse, 300 Virginia Street, East, Suite 3400, Charleston, WV 25301. Electronic submissions are preferred and should be sent to wvs_recruiting@fd.org.

Posting Date: Position announced August 17, 2026; open until filled with priority given to applications received by August 31, 2026. All responses will remain confidential. The Federal Public Defender Office is an equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please contact Administrative Officer David Boyles at 304-347-3350.

The Federal Public Defender is an Equal-Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person