Assistant Federal Public Defender

ASSISTANT FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER – TRENTON, NJ

Posted: September 17, 2026

Closes: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The Federal Public Defender for the District of New Jersey is accepting applications for an attorney to serve as an Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD) in its Trenton Office. The Federal Public Defender (FPD) operates under the authority of Title 18, United States Code, Section 3006A(g)(2)(A), to provide legal services by court appointment to individuals unable to afford counsel. The position primarily involves legal representation of indigent persons charged with criminal offenses in the United States District Court.

Duties: The individual selected will represent clients charged with federal criminal offenses at both the trial and appellate level, carry a varied caseload through all stages of litigation, and appear in court regularly. The position requires travel for court appearances, investigation, litigation, and training. An AFPD’s professional pursuits must be focused only on serving our clients, and they may not engage in the private practice of law.

Requirements: Applicants must: (1) be a graduate of an accredited law school and admitted to practice and in good standing before the highest court of a state; and (2) be eligible to be licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Selection Criteria: The successful applicant must have an established capacity or clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and a reputation for integrity. The applicant must also possess the ability to communicate effectively and have strong written and oral advocacy skills. An applicant must have a demonstrated commitment to working with diverse communities and with clients from a range of backgrounds. At least five years of state or federal criminal defense experience is required. The position is “at will” excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of competitive civil service.

Salary and Benefits: The salary of an AFPD is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position offers federal government employment benefits, including participation in health and life insurance programs, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit).

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Our office values diversity, is committed to equity and inclusion, and aspires to create a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, openness, and humility that honors the people we represent. The FPD seeks applications from a diverse group of qualified individuals in terms of race, ethnicity, nation of origin, culture, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual identity, education, opinions, age, languages spoken, veteran status, disability, religion, and socioeconomic circumstance.

How to Apply: Interested applicants should email a letter of interest, a resume, a writing sample, and the names and contact information of three professional references in one pdf document to the attention of:

K. Anthony Thomas, Federal Public Defender

via email to: NJFPDResume@fd.org

Subject: Trenton AFPD Position

Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applications received by Thursday, October 1, 2026, will be given priority consideration.

If an offer of employment is extended, the applicant must complete a background security investigation including an FBI name search and IRS tax check. Fingerprints and photographs will be taken. Appointment will be subject to the applicant’s successful completion of a security investigation and a favorable report.

No phone calls, please. Only submissions following the required format will be considered. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Federal Public Defender follows an Employee Dispute Resolution Plan approved by the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to quality representation, diversity, and inclusion. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Pay: $136,000.00 - $165,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $136,000 - $165,000