Federal Public Defender Job

Vacancy No. DE-12814438-26-LO Department U.S. Courts
Salary $195,200.00 to $195,200.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/14/2025 Close Date 12/1/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Hartford, CTNew Haven, CT


Summary

The Federal Public Defender, functioning under the authority of 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(g)(2)(A) and the Criminal Justice Act Plan for the District of Connecticut, provides criminal defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel. The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Connecticut has offices in Hartford and New Haven. The term of office is four years, with potential for appointment to successive terms. The current authorized annual salary is $195,200.

Duties

As the chief executive of the Office of the Federal Public Defender, the Federal Public Defender holds ultimate responsibility for the administration of the Office. The Office serves as a resource center for all practicing federal defense attorneys in the District, providing regularly scheduled training programs as well as advice and counsel when needed. The Federal Public Defender works nationally with other federal defenders on evolving issues in federal criminal law and other areas of shared concern.

The Federal Public Defender supervises a staff of assistant federal defenders, research and writing attorneys, investigators, paralegals, mitigation specialists, and support personnel.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • The selected nominee will be required to complete a background investigation prior to appointment.
  • The Federal Public Defender may not engage in the private practice of law.

Qualifications

Applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
  1. be a member in good standing in the bar of the state in which the candidate is admitted to practice;
  2. have a minimum of five years criminal practice experience, preferably with significant federal criminal trial experience, which demonstrates an ability to provide zealous representation of consistently high quality to criminal defendants;
  3. possess the ability to effectively administer the office, including the following management areas: Budget, procurement, and travel; Human resources; Space, facilities, and property;
  4. have a reputation for integrity; and
  5. demonstrate a commitment to the representation of those unable to afford counsel.

Additional information

Applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

The federal judiciary offers a very competitive total compensation package. Total compensation includes not only the numbers you see on your paycheck, but also the "hidden value" provided by your employee benefits.

Review our benefits

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

The Second Circuit uses an open and competitive selection process. A Merit Selection Committee will review all applications and interview the most qualified candidates. With consideration of the District Court's recommendation, the Committee will refer the best qualified candidate to the Court of Appeals for selection and appointment.

Required Documents

  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume
  3. Original application; and
  4. An original writing sample not to exceed 10 pages

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Application forms are posted on the Court's website at http://www.ca2.uscourts.gov and provide detailed instructions how to apply.

Completed application packages must be emailed as a single PDF attachment to fpd_application@ca2.uscourts.gov and received no later than December 1, 2025.

Agency contact information

Human Resources
Address
US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse
40 Foley Square
Room 2904
New York, NY 10007
US

Next steps

Once you submit your application, we will assess your application and experience, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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