The Federal Public Defender for the Central District of Illinois is accepting applications for the permanent position of Appellate Assistant Federal Public Defender. The duty station will be Urbana. At the Defender’s discretion, a candidate with suitable experience may be allowed to work remotely. The Federal Public Defender’s Office provides defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters in federal court pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. Section 3006A. Our office is committed to providing the highest level of representation to our clients. The outside practice of law is prohibited.
Qualifications. An Assistant Federal Public Defender must have a commitment to the zealous representation of indigent clients and a reputation for personal integrity. Excellent oral communication, research skills, and writing skills are required. The selected candidate will represent clients before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. As such, the lawyer will travel regularly to Chicago for oral arguments. Proficiency in Spanish is useful but not required.
Salary and Benefits. This full-time position is in the excepted service and offers full federal benefits, including Federal Employees Retirement System, Thrift Savings Plan, health and life insurance, annual and sick leave, and paid holidays. Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
The candidate must be (1) a United States citizen or authorized to work in the United States; (2) an attorney licensed by the highest court of a state, federal territory, or the District of Columbia; and (3) a member in good standing in all courts where admitted to practice. A valid driver’s license is also required.
Employees of the Federal Public Defender’s Office are members of the judicial branch of government and are considered “at will”. The successful candidate will be subject to a general background check as a condition of employment and may be subject to periodic updates. Direct deposit is required for payment of compensation for employees.
Qualified persons may apply by sending the following, in one PDF document, to:
[email protected]
(1) letter of interest
(2) resume with three professional references familiar with applicant’s legal skills
(3) recent writing sample that has not been edited by others
(4) completed AO78 Application for Judicial Employment (See https://ilc.fd.org/employment for full announcement and AO78 application.)
This position is open until filled, with preference given to applications received by February 23, 2026.
An email confirming receipt of the application materials will be sent to all applicants. Only those selected for interviews will receive further communication. No telephone inquiries please. Costs associated with interviewing and relocation will not be reimbursed. All positions are subject to the availability of funds. For more information about our office, visit https://ilc.fd.org.
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