Assistant Federal Public Defender

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT 26-27

Assistant Federal Public Defender - Trial

Office of the Federal Public Defender

District of Arizona, Flagstaff

THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER is accepting applications for an assistant federal public defender to be stationed in Flagstaff. The federal defender organization operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court. Staffed offices operate in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and Flagstaff.

Requirements. An assistant federal public defender must be: (1) a graduate of an accredited law school; (2) admitted to practice in good standing before the highest court of a state; (3) licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court by the time of entrance on duty; and (4) two years of experience in criminal trial work. Applicants must have a commitment to criminal defense. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation including an FBI name/fingerprint check and an IRS tax check.

Duties. The Flagstaff office handles initial hearings of felony cases arising in Northern Arizona, including major crimes occurring on Indian Reservations. Generally, these cases are transferred to the Phoenix office after initial hearings, but our Flagstaff attorneys may keep some felonies through district court resolution. Much of the Flagstaff practice involves misdemeanor offenses occurring in national parks/forests and other federal lands and buildings in Northern Arizona. These cases remain in Flagstaff and are presided over by the magistrate judge. The Northern Arizona court is a traveling court, and hearings are periodically held in locations outside of Flagstaff, with all agencies including ours traveling to satellite locations for hearings.

The assistant federal public defender will represent clients charged with federal criminal offenses and clients involved in other matters covered under the Criminal Justice Act. The position requires travel for investigation, litigation, and training. Federal public defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.

Selection Criteria. The successful applicant will have a clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and a reputation for personal integrity. Applicants must also possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, staff, and court and agency personnel as part of their employment. Experience in handling federal criminal cases is preferred.

Salary and Benefits. The salary of an assistant federal public defender is commensurate with that of an assistant U.S. attorney with similar qualifications and experience. The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position does include regular government employment benefits including health and life insurance, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). All positions are at will and are subject to the availability of funds.

How to Apply. Qualified persons should apply via the online application system at https://azfd.acquiretm.com/home.aspx. To be considered for the position, applicants need to register at the above web address and create an online profile, or login if you already have a profile. Please follow the prompts to upload a letter of interest, résumé, and a representative writing sample. Announced May 18, 2026; Closes: Open until filled with a first review of applications on June 12, 2026. The Federal Public Defender is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.