Assistant Federal Public Defender

Kansas Federal Public Defender

Position Announcement

Full-time Assistant Federal Public Defender, Topeka, Kansas

Posted April 8, 2025

Deadline: May 16, 2025 (or until filled)

The Federal Public Defender for the District of Kansas is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Diversity and dignity are central to our work. We prohibit discrimination and harassment in all personnel decisions and employee interactions.

About Us. We work to help people in the criminal legal system through holistic representation, collaboration, and education. Our clients are people accused of federal crimes who cannot afford to hire private lawyers. We protect our clients’ rights and center their humanity at every stage of the criminal case and beyond. We value hard work, diversity, teamwork, creativity, flexibility, and professionalism.

The Job. Assistant Federal Public Defenders must meet individual client needs while managing full caseloads. AFPDs develop release plans; review discovery; research, write, and litigate motions; develop litigation strategy; work with experts; negotiate resolutions; serve as counsel in jury trials; navigate complex federal sentencing statutes and guidelines; and advocate for fairer sentences and restorative outcomes.

Attorneys in our office may not engage in private practice.

You must:

• Have a degree from an accredited law school
• Be admitted to practice and in good standing before the highest court of any state or the District of Columbia (you are not required to be a member of the Kansas state bar)
• Be admitted (by the time of duty) to the US District Court for the District of Kansas
• Satisfy with the residency requirements listed here
• Be committed to our mission
• Work well in a team environment
• Be comfortable working closely with clients

You should:

• Have experience in criminal defense
• Have excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
• Have strong computer and technological skills

Federal criminal trial experience preferred.

Spanish fluency is a plus.

Death penalty defense experience is a plus.

We will consider applicants with recent judicial clerkships or fellowships.

Salary & Benefits. Kansas FPD employees enjoy experience-based salaries. The starting salary range is between $85,000 to $115,000 for less than 3 years of experience; up to $145,000 for 7 years of experience; and up to $175,000 for 15 years or more. The FPD also offers generous benefits:

• 11 paid holidays, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and Juneteenth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness, if qualified
• Federal Employees Retirement System
• Thrift Savings Plan
• Health (100+ options)
• Dental (16 options)
• Vision (10 options)
• Life insurance (basic, standard, additional, family)
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Commuter Benefit Program
• Long-term & short-term Disability
• Long-term care
• Transportation subsidy
• Employee Assistance Program (confidential counseling and assistance)
• WorkLife4You (living well)
• Sick leave
• Annual leave
• Nationwide leave transfer program
• Worker’s comp
• Disability retirement
• Family and medical leave
• 12-weeks paid parental leave after the 1st year
• Bring your infant to work (up to 6 months)
• Education and training
• Awards and bonuses

Apply. Send a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references in a single pdf document to ksfpd@fd.org. Preference will be given to applications received by May 16, 2025. We may fill current and future positions from this position announcement. This position is subject to approval of funding. No phone inquiries.