Assistant Federal Public Defender

Position Description

The Federal Public Defender for the Central District of Illinois is accepting applications for the permanent position of Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Rock Island Division. The office is in the new Federal Courthouse located in downtown Rock Island, Illinois. Rock Island is part of the Quad Cities area along the Illinois/Iowa border that flanks the Mississippi River. The Federal Public Defender’s Office provides defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters in federal court pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. Section 3006A.

Our office is committed to providing the highest level of representation to our clients. The outside practice of law is prohibited.

Qualifications. An Assistant Federal Public Defender must have a commitment to the zealous representation of indigent clients and a reputation for personal integrity. A minimum of three years’ experience in the area of criminal defense is preferred. Excellent oral communication, research, and writing skills are required. The selected candidate must be able to assume a caseload immediately and without significant supervision.

The position requires regular travel to local detention facilities to visit detained clients and occasional travel to Chicago to appear before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Proficiency in Spanish is useful but not required.

Salary and Benefits. This full-time position is in the excepted service and offers full federal benefits, including Federal Employees Retirement System, Thrift Savings Plan, health and life insurance, annual and sick leave, and paid holidays. Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.