The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD). This position is open to candidates interested in working out of our Pittsburgh office or one of our branch offices in Erie or Johnstown.
The AFPD will represent clients charged with federal criminal offenses and involved in other matters covered under the Criminal Justice Act. Regular responsibilities include working with clients; digesting large case files and investigative materials; developing litigation strategies, including negotiation and mitigation; researching and drafting motions and other filings; conducting evidentiary hearings and trials; working with experts and other witnesses; and leading teams of investigators, mitigation specialists, paralegals, and legal assistants. Cases are complex and diverse and require comprehensive legal research, extensive motions practice, and frequent courtroom litigation, including jury trials and sentencing hearings. Caseloads may involve drug offenses, fraud, robbery, firearms offenses, immigration offenses, and internet-related crimes.
Experience, knowledge, or interest in working on immigration-related work, including 28 U.S.C. § 2241 petitions, is preferred but not required. Case assignments may require the AFPD to handle cases in any of our three offices (Pittsburgh, Erie, and Johnstown).
The successful applicant must be a graduate from an accredited law school. Courtroom experience is preferred, and excellent research, writing and oral advocacy skills are required, as is a demonstrated commitment to indigent defense. Proficiency in the Spanish language is preferred but not required. The applicant should be prepared to undertake the representation of clients in serious criminal cases and be able to manage a heavy caseload. Travel and working outside regular business hours are essential for the position, as are effective organizational skills and the ability to work in a team environment. Federal Public Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law. The successful candidate will be subject to a general background check and IRS tax check procedure as a condition of employment.
Interested applicants are invited to apply by submitting a single pdf document that includes a cover letter, resume, and writing sample via email to the attention of: Elisa A. Long, Federal Public Defender, [email protected], Subject: 2026-12
One or more positions may be filled from this posting. Hiring for this position is dependent on the availability of funds. This office is an equal opportunity employer. No phone calls, please.
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