Assistant Federal Public Defender
Kansas City International, Kansas City, KS, United States
Overview
KANSAS FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER Position Announcement - EXTENDED Assistant Federal Public Defender Application Deadline: Open until filled Priority given to applications received by March 14, 2026 The Kansas Federal Public Defender (FPD) is accepting applications for an entry-level Assistant Federal Public Defender position in the Kansas City, Topeka, or Wichita office. The Kansas FPD provides legal representation to indigent clients in federal criminal cases and related matters. The FPD values hard work, diversity, teamwork, creativity, flexibility, and fairness.
Responsibilities
Handle misdemeanor dockets within Kansas (Ft. Riley, Ft. Leavenworth, McConnell Air Force Base, federal lands).
Handle motions to modify conditions of supervised release and motions to terminate supervised release.
Handle non-capital postconviction matters, including motions to reduce sentences (generally involving compassionate release and retroactive guidelines).
Handle the bulk of legal inquiries (phone calls and letters) from convicted persons and others.
If time permits, participate in jury trials as a second (or third) chair, assist trial attorneys with legal research and writing, and handle revocations of supervised release.
Qualifications
Strong academic background.
Law degree from an accredited law school.
Licensed to practice and in good standing in at least one State or Washington, D.C.
Strong interest in indigent defense and federal criminal law.
Above-average research and writing skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and court and agency personnel.
Strong oral advocacy and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively in a team and collaborative environment.
The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate with other attorneys and support staff; to work well independently; to multi-task; to handle a larger caseload of less complex cases; and to be motivated to help indigent clients at the pretrial, posttrial, and postconviction stages. Although this is labeled an entry-level position, experienced attorneys who want a change of pace and are interested in the job description are also encouraged to apply. Some travel within Kansas is required. Applicants must also be allowed to work in the United States (see here).
Salary and Benefits The starting salary range depends on experience: The starting salary range is between $85,000 to $115,000 for less than 3 years of experience; up to $145,000 for 7 years’ experience; up to $197,100 for at least 15 years’ experience.
Benefits include:
11 paid holidays
Possible Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Federal Employees Retirement System
Thrift Savings Plan
Health insurance (100+ options)
Dental insurance (16 options)
Vision insurance (10 options)
Life insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Commuter Benefit Program
Long term- & short-term disability
Long-term care
Transportation subsidy
Employee Assistance Program
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
Infant at Work program
Awards (cash, time-off)
How to Apply Please send a letter of interest, resume, a short writing sample, and three professional references in a single pdf document to
ksfpd@fd.org . We may fill current and future positions from this position announcement. This position is subject to approval of funding. No phone inquiries.
The Kansas Federal Public Defender 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.
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KANSAS FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER Position Announcement - EXTENDED Assistant Federal Public Defender Application Deadline: Open until filled Priority given to applications received by March 14, 2026 The Kansas Federal Public Defender (FPD) is accepting applications for an entry-level Assistant Federal Public Defender position in the Kansas City, Topeka, or Wichita office. The Kansas FPD provides legal representation to indigent clients in federal criminal cases and related matters. The FPD values hard work, diversity, teamwork, creativity, flexibility, and fairness.
Responsibilities
Handle misdemeanor dockets within Kansas (Ft. Riley, Ft. Leavenworth, McConnell Air Force Base, federal lands).
Handle motions to modify conditions of supervised release and motions to terminate supervised release.
Handle non-capital postconviction matters, including motions to reduce sentences (generally involving compassionate release and retroactive guidelines).
Handle the bulk of legal inquiries (phone calls and letters) from convicted persons and others.
If time permits, participate in jury trials as a second (or third) chair, assist trial attorneys with legal research and writing, and handle revocations of supervised release.
Qualifications
Strong academic background.
Law degree from an accredited law school.
Licensed to practice and in good standing in at least one State or Washington, D.C.
Strong interest in indigent defense and federal criminal law.
Above-average research and writing skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and court and agency personnel.
Strong oral advocacy and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively in a team and collaborative environment.
The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate with other attorneys and support staff; to work well independently; to multi-task; to handle a larger caseload of less complex cases; and to be motivated to help indigent clients at the pretrial, posttrial, and postconviction stages. Although this is labeled an entry-level position, experienced attorneys who want a change of pace and are interested in the job description are also encouraged to apply. Some travel within Kansas is required. Applicants must also be allowed to work in the United States (see here).
Salary and Benefits The starting salary range depends on experience: The starting salary range is between $85,000 to $115,000 for less than 3 years of experience; up to $145,000 for 7 years’ experience; up to $197,100 for at least 15 years’ experience.
Benefits include:
11 paid holidays
Possible Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Federal Employees Retirement System
Thrift Savings Plan
Health insurance (100+ options)
Dental insurance (16 options)
Vision insurance (10 options)
Life insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Commuter Benefit Program
Long term- & short-term disability
Long-term care
Transportation subsidy
Employee Assistance Program
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
Infant at Work program
Awards (cash, time-off)
How to Apply Please send a letter of interest, resume, a short writing sample, and three professional references in a single pdf document to
ksfpd@fd.org . We may fill current and future positions from this position announcement. This position is subject to approval of funding. No phone inquiries.
The Kansas Federal Public Defender 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.
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