Summary

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit is accepting applications [under authority of 18 U.S.C. 3006A(g)(2)(A)] from all qualified persons for the position of Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Missouri headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. The incumbent Federal Public Defender will retire on December 31, 2026. The term of appointment is four years; annual salary will be equal to the salary of the U.S. Attorney for the district, currently $197,200.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

The Federal Public Defender provides federal criminal defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Federal Public Defenders may not engage in the private practice of law and are subject to judiciary financial disclosure requirements.
A background investigation is required.

Qualifications

An applicant must:

be admitted to practice before the highest court of at least one state;
be a member in good standing of every other state bar of which he/she is a member;
have a minimum of five years criminal practice experience, preferably with significant criminal trial experience;
have administrative expertise;
have a reputation for integrity; and
have a commitment to the representation of those unable to afford counsel.

Education

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school is required.

Additional information

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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.

Review our benefits

How you will be evaluated

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

We will review your resume and supporting documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and evaluate your relevant professional, educational, and work experiences as it relates to fundamental competencies, identified in the Qualifications section above, required for this position.

Required Documents

Application Form

See 'How to Apply' for instructions.

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 may be obtained from the Clerk of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri at www.mow.uscourts.gov, or the Circuit Executive's Office in St. Louis, Missouri by e-mail at CE8employment@ca8.uscourts.gov or by phone 314-244-2600.

Applications should be submitted only by the applicant personally and should indicate the applicant's willingness to serve if selected.

Applications should be submitted to Ms. Millie B. Adams, Circuit Executive, 111 South 10^th Street, Suite 26.325, St. Louis, Missouri 63102-1116.

The position will remain open until filled. The U.S. Courts are equal opportunity employers. Application must be received by July 15, 2026.

Agency contact information

Millie Adams

Phone: 314-244-2600
Email: CE8employment@ca8.uscourts.gov

Address: US Court of Appeals
111 South 10th St., Suite 26.325
St. Louis, MO 63102-1116
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.

Federal Public Defender Job in Kansas City, MO