Assistant Federal Defender

The Job

We are hiring two full-time assistant federal defenders in our Greeneville office.

Assistant federal defenders manage a full caseload, including preparing pleadings; reviewing discovery; coordinating case investigation; developing litigation strategies; meeting with clients; working with experts; appearing in court; and assisting CJA panel attorneys. Routine travel to detention facilities is required, including those located in Carter County and Washington County, TN;
Laurel County, KY; and Washington County and Roanoke County, VA.

Federal Defender Services of Eastern Tennessee, Inc. (FDSET) stands on the front lines every day to keep people out of prison and halt state executions. Guided by our core values of compassion, courage, competency, creativity, and collaboration, we provide client-centered representation to those who need it most. Our clients are indigent defendants charged with federal offenses ranging from drug crimes to complex white-collar conspiracies, as well as individuals sentenced to death.

Through holistic lawyering, we safeguard our clients’ constitutional rights while championing their dignity, humanity, and future at every stage of their case. We actively embrace diversity, cultivate inclusion, and foster a workplace grounded in fairness, flexibility, and shared purpose. We are united by a deep commitment to standing beside our clients in their most critical moments.
FDSET is a nonprofit community defender organization funded by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, with offices in Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Greeneville. Each location has a trial unit, and our Knoxville office is also home to our Capital Habeas Unit—where we handle some of the most complex and high-stakes litigation in the federal system.

Applicants must have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school; be an active member in good standing of a state bar (Tennessee bar not required but encouraged); and licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court (application may be pending at the time of hire). Applicants must have at least three years of criminal trial experience with strong writing and advocacy skills;

knowledge of federal criminal trial practice and federal sentencing; a reputation for personal and professional integrity; a commitment to the representation of indigent defendants; and an ability to work well in a team environment. Applicants must also possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, staff, and court and agency personnel. Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.
Applicants must have a driver’s license and appropriate motor vehicle insurance. Applicants must be a United States citizen or eligible to work in the United States. Employment will require a favorable background check.
Assistant federal defenders may not engage in the private practice of law.

Salary is commensurate with years of experience and qualifications in accordance with the Defender Organization Classification System and federal defender pay levels.
FDSET offers a generous benefits package, which includes paid vacation and sick leave, 11+ paid annual holidays, medical, dental, vision, life/AD&D, long-term disability, EAP, HSA/FSA, hospital, critical illness, accident, identity theft protection, and 401K retirement.
FDSET provides medical (employee-only plans), dental, vision, basic life/AD&D, and long-term disability at no monthly premium cost to employees.
A partial remote work week is available to employees after an initial probationary period.

FDSET VALUES A DIVERSE WORKFORCE AND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER