Assistant Federal Public Defender

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 hire without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, height, weight, veteran status, military obligations, or marital or parental status. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment in any personnel decisions or employee interactions.

About Us

We work to keep people out of 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 fairness.

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 fair sentences and alternative 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
• Residency requirements can be found here
• Be committed to our mission and work well in a team environment
• Be comfortable working closely with a diverse set of clients

You should:

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

Spanish fluency is a plus.

Five years or more of federal criminal trial experience is preferred.

Kansas FPD employees enjoy experience-based salaries. The starting salary range is up to $145,000 for 7 years of experience; and up to $197,100 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
• Thrift Savings Plan
• Health (100+ options)
• Dental (16 options)
• Vision (10 options)
• Life Insurance (basic, standard, additional, family)
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Long Term & Short-Term Disability
• Long Term Care
• Transportation Subsidy
• Employee Assistance Program (confidential counseling and assistance)
• Work Life4
  
  You (living well)
• Nationwide leave transfer program
• Worker’s Comp
• Disability Retirement
• Family and Medical Leave
• 12-weeks paid parental leave
• Bring your Infant to Work program
• Education and training
• Awards (cash, time‑off)

Send a letter of interest, resume, writing sample, and three professional references in a single pdf document to ksfpd . Preference will be given to applications received by Feb. 20, 2026. We may fill current and future positions from this position announcement. This position is subject to approval of funding. No phone inquiries.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.