Job Details for Assistant Federal Public Defender Court Name/Organization Pennsylvania Middle Federal Public Defender Overview of the Position We are looking for a trial lawyer who sees humanity in every client and who values being part of a tea, that shows up for each other and for the people we serve. Location Scranton, PA Opening and Closing Dates 09/01/2026 - Open Until Filled Appointment Type Permanent Salary Not specified Announcement Number 0005 Position Description The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Middle District of Pennsylvania is hiring an Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD) to join our team. We are a mission-driven office that represents people facing serious charges in federal court. We handle federal trials, direct appeals to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, writs of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court, habeas corpus petitions, and related proceedings on behalf of our clients. Representation includes legal, investigative, expert, and other services as necessary to meet the demands of the case. This position is for a trial attorney and will not require appellate work. We are looking for a trial lawyer who sees humanity in every client and who values being part of a team that shows up for each other and for the people we serve. This is a full-time position based in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Qualifications Applicants must have at least three years of criminal trial experience or civil trial/litigation experience (federal clerkship experience also considered); strong writing and advocacy skills; knowledge of federal criminal practice and federal sentencing; and a reputation for personal and professional integrity. Applicants must be members in good standing of a state bar and eligible for immediate admission to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Our office is committed to building a workplace grounded in mutual respect, collaboration, and humility. We believe the work of public defense is stronger when it reflects a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Above all, we are interested in applicants' talent, intelligence, dedication, persistence, and deep commitment to treating every client and every colleague with fairness, dignity, and care. Employee Benefits This is a full-time position. Salary is commensurate with experience and education and matches that of Assistant United States Attorneys with comparable experience. The selected candidate will also receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous insurance coverage, dependent and long-term insurance programs, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits program, earned paid time off, mandatory participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System, optional participation in the Third Savings Plan retirement account with up to 5% agency matching contributions, and an Employee Assistant Program. This position is subject to mandatory electronic transfer of pay (direct deposit). After a six-month immersive onboarding period, limited telework may be available in accordance with office policy. Telework is not an entitlement and, especially in the Trial Unit, is always subordinate to client needs, court coverage, and team responsibilities. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of an FBI fingerprint and background check. Application Info We strive to make the hiring process transparent. Here's what you can expect:

Application Submission:

Interested applicants should submit a single pdf document that includes a cover letter, resume, list of references, and a writing sample to Lorianne Link, personnel administrator, at lorianne_link@fd.org .

Application Review:

Applications are being reviewed beginning Sept. 8, 2026 (priority consideration given to applicants received by Sept. 16, 2026); and the application will remain open until filled. You may assume the position remains available while this listing is active.

Initial Interviews:

Selected candidates will be invited for an in-person interview.

Assessments/Reference Checks:

We will reach out to references and assess interviewed candidates. Though we do not anticipate a second round of interviews, we reserve the right to request a more in-depth interview if desired. The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.