Assistant Federal Public Defender

Kansas Federal Public Defender 

Position Announcement 

Full-time Assistant Federal Public Defender, Wichita, Kansas 

Posted March 13, 2023 

Deadline: April 21, 2023 (or until filled) 

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 prison through holistic representation, collaboration, and education. Our clients  are people accused of federal crimes who cannot afford private lawyers. We protect their 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 lead counsel in jury trials;  navigate complex federal sentencing statutes and guidelines;  and advocate 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 
• Be a US citizen or have work authorization
• Be committed to our mission and work well in a team  environment 
• Be comfortable working closely with a diverse set of clients • Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 

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. 

We are willing to train the right person and will consider applicants with recent judicial clerkships or fellowships. 

Salary & Benefits. Kansas FPD employees enjoy experience-based salaries. The starting salary range is  between $80,000 to $105,000 for less than 3 years of  experience; and up to $130,000 for 7 years of  experience. The FPD also offers generous benefits: 

• 11 paid holidays, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s  birthday and Juneteenth 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness if qualified
• Federal Employees Retirement System
• Thrift Savings Plan 
• Health (100+ options)  
• Dental (16 options) 
• Vision (10 options) 
• Life Insurance (basic, standard, additional, family) 
• Flex Spending Accounts 
• Commuter Benefit Program 
• Long Term & Short Term Disability 
• Long Term Care 
• Transportation Subsidy 
• Employee Assistance Program (confidential  counseling and assistance) 
• WorkLife4You (living well) 
• Sick Leave 
• Annual Leave 
• Nationwide leave transfer program 
• Worker’s Comp 
• Disability Retirement 
• Family and Medical Leave 
• 12-weeks paid parental leave 
• Bring your infant to work (up to 6 months)
• Education and training 
• Awards (cash, time-off) 
• Partial telework or flex time options