The Office of the Federal Defender for the Eastern District of Missouri is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Federal Public Defender, to be located in their St. Louis, Missouri, office. The federal defender organization operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide legal defense services of the highest quality to indigent persons in federal criminal cases and related matters in the federal courts. The main office is located in Saint Louis, Missouri with a branch office in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Conditions of Employment: Appointment to this position is contingent upon the successful completion of an FBI name and fingerprint check. Federal Public Defender employees are members of the judicial branch of the government and are considered “at will”. This position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. You must be a U.S. citizen or person authorized to work in the United States. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit).

Salary and Benefits: Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications within the guidelines set by the Judiciary Salary Scale for Assistant Federal Public Defenders. If hired, the private practice of law and notarial practice is prohibited. This position is full time with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and life insurance, vision and dental benefits, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, sick leave, paid leave for all federal holidays, and participation in the Federal Retirement System and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP with up to 5% government matching contributions).

How to Apply: Qualified persons may apply by sending a cover letter describing your experience, resume, three references, and recent writing sample by electronic mail with the subject line Assistant Federal Defender to: Ereka_Tosh@fd.org

Applications to be considered must be received by May 23, 2022. 

Applicants must have the ability to immediately undertake the defense of major criminal cases in the United States District Court as well as in the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and should possess excellent courtroom, writing, legal research, and advocacy skills. Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited law school and an active member in good standing of the bar in any state, territory, or possession. A reputation for integrity and a commitment to the representation of those unable to afford counsel are required qualities.