WDPA Federal Public Defender

Chief Judge Michael A. Chagares of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit announces the application process for the Federal Public Defender in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Qualifications for the Position of Federal Public Defender
An applicant should have the following qualifications:
(1) a member in good standing in the bar of each state in which the candidate is admitted to practice;
(2) a minimum of five years criminal practice experience, preferably with significant federal criminal trial experience, which demonstrates an ability to provide zealous representation of consistently high quality to criminal defendants;
(3) the ability to effectively administer the office;
(4) a reputation for integrity; and
(5) a commitment to the representation of those unable to afford counsel.

Qualified candidates will be considered equally and without regard to race, sex, religious affiliation, national origin, age, or disability.

Federal Public Defenders may not engage in the private practice of law and are subject to full background investigations and to judiciary financial disclosure requirements.

Term and Salary
A Federal Public Defender is appointed to a four-year term pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
§ 3006A, and compensation is currently set at $183,500 per annum. The position will be available after June 28, 2024.

To Apply
The application process is entirely automated. No paper applications will be accepted. Applications must be submitted electronically by 12:00 noon, Eastern Standard Time, November 20, 2023. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED. To apply, go to www.ca3.uscourts.gov for more information or call the Circuit Executive’s Office at 215-597-0718.