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Posted: February 10, 2026 (2 days ago)

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Assistant Federal Public Defender - Trial Unit

U.S. Courts

Judicial Branch

Fresh

Location

Salary

$120,000 - $170,000

per year

Type

Closes

March 9, 2026

SES Pay Grade

Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900

Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves representing low-income clients accused of federal crimes in court, handling everything from case preparation to trials as part of a supportive team in Cincinnati.

It's ideal for a dedicated lawyer with criminal defense experience who is passionate about fair treatment and strong teamwork.

The role emphasizes creative advocacy and managing a busy workload while building client relationships.

Key Requirements

  • 3-5 years of experience defending criminal cases, preferably including federal cases
  • Trial experience in criminal defense
  • Strong legal research skills
  • Excellent persuasive writing abilities
  • Strong oral advocacy and courtroom skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage priorities

Full Job Description

Our teams of attorneys, paralegals, investigators, office administrators, and information technology specialists effectively use interdisciplinary skill-sets to ensure compassionate and comprehensive representation centered on our clients and their needs.

The Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Trial Unit will be an integral member of the Cincinnati team and must be completely committed to creative, passionate, and fierce advocacy on behalf of people who cannot afford representation.

The most important qualification for any position in our office is an unshakable commitment to skillfully helping those in need and the willingness and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment dedicated to that goal.

Our office values people with a wide range of experience and perspectives and works to foster a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, openness, and humility that honors the people we represent.

We seek team members who share those values.

We are interested in applicants' talent, intelligence, dedication, and persistence, and desire to see that all people are treated fairly and respectfully - no matter the allegations they face or the circumstances leading to their need for the compassionate and dynamic advocacy we provide.

A minimum of 3-5 years of experience defending criminal cases, with some federal experience, is preferred.

Trial experience, strong research skills, the ability to write persuasively and compellingly, and excellent oral advocacy skills are required.

The applicant must be able to work in a team environment, communicate clearly and effectively, exhibit strong organizational skills, and appropriately set priorities. Fluency in Spanish is a plus.

Attorneys in the Office of the Federal Public Defender may not engage in the private practice of law. Major Duties:

The Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Trial Unit will provide zealous, professional, and strategic legal representation to clients charged with federal criminal offenses, at the trial level.

Responsibilities include managing an extensive caseload with cases at varying stages of litigation; preparing pleadings, briefs and motions; developing litigation strategies; meeting with clients, experts, witnesses and family members; appearing on behalf of clients in court; and other duties as assigned.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 2/10/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/12/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: DE-12885228-26-AB