Supervisory Assistant Federal Public Defender
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Overview
Job Description
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT 26-35
SUPERVISORY ASSISTANT FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER
Office of the Federal Public Defender
Western District of Texas (Midland)
THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER, Western District of Texas, is accepting applications for the position of Supervisory Assistant Federal Public Defender to be stationed in the Midland office. The Federal Public Defender 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 to individuals unable to afford counsel.
Requirements. The Supervisory Assistant Federal Public Defender will be responsible for managing the Midland office. The successful applicant must be: (1) a graduate of an accredited law school and admitted to practice in good standing before the highest court of a state; and (2) licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas by the time of entrance on duty. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check. Ten years' attorney experience is required. Litigation and management experience are highly preferred.
Duties. In addition to providing zealous, professional legal representation to clients, the supervisory AFPD assumes responsibility for the operations of the Midland office, including recruiting and hiring personnel; identifying and resolving internal problems that might hurt the defender organization; supervising attorneys and legal staff members; and performing other duties as assigned. Travel for administration, litigation, and training is required and may involve foreign travel. Federal public defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.
Selection Criteria. The successful applicant will have an established capacity and clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and a reputation for integrity. Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable but not required.
Salary and Benefits. The salary of the successful applicant will be commensurate with the person's qualifications and experience and is generally between $118,083 to $180,078. The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position does offer federal government employee benefits, including health and life insurance programs, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit).
How to Apply. Qualified persons may apply by sending a letter of interest addressed to Federal Public Defender Maureen Scott Franco (mentioning announcement 26-35), a résumé, references, and representative writing sample. Send completed application, in a single PDF document named with applicant's “last name, first name-Announcement 26-35 MO Supervisory AFPD” by email. Electronic submissions sent directly to the Defender will not be considered. For applicants with disabilities, this organization provides reasonable accommodation, which is decided case by case. To request reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, contact Administrative Officer Angela Kessel at (210) 981-2085. Position announced May 11, 2026, subject to the availability of funds; open until filled.
The Office of the Federal Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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