Job Description

Job Details for Assistant Federal Public Defender - Trial Division

Court Name/Organization

Colorado Federal Public Defender

Overview of the Position

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Colorado seeks a full-time trial attorney to fill an existing vacancy in our office. We operate under authority of the Criminal Justice Act (18 U.S.C. § 3006A), representing individuals unable to afford counsel and prosecuted in our federal courts. Our office is committed to serving the distinct needs of our clients with a diverse group of dedicated professionals. Applicants of any race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, age, veteran status, and other status protected by law are welcome.

Location

Denver, CO

Opening and Closing Dates

03/12/2026 - 06/10/2026

Appointment Type

Permanent

Classification Level/Grade

AD 21 - AD 29

Salary

$85,573 - $197,100

Position Description

This is a full-time position dedicated to all stages of the magistrate and district court proceedings. Our attorneys are expected to be zealous advocates of the highest caliber, devoted to the defense of low-income clients and the enforcement of the Bill of Rights. Our robust litigation practice challenges every stage of the criminal proceeding, from bond hearings, pretrial motions, jury trials, and sentencings to post-conviction retroactive relief projects. Because mitigation is a core component of our work, our attorneys, investigators, and support staff collaborate on every case. Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law. The office has a telework policy that permits employees to work at home up to two days per week.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, an applicant must be 1) a graduate of an accredited law school; 2) licensed by the highest court of a state, federal territory, or the District of Columbia; 3) a member in good standing in all courts admitted to practice; and 4) a United States citizen, or a person authorized to work in the United States and receive compensation from this agency. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including an FBI name and fingerprint check, and an IRS tax check.

Applicants must have at least five years of substantive post-graduate legal experience, to include no less than three years of substantive experience in criminal defense. Substantive experience in criminal defense includes first or second chair roles in felony jury trials, including responsibility for dispositive motions, use of the rules of evidence, and development of sentencing or post-sentencing mitigation. Experience in federal criminal defense is preferred but not required. Superior research, writing, and oral advocacy skills are required. A strong and established work ethic, a demonstrated commitment to criminal defense, a team-oriented professional demeanor, and a reputation for personal integrity are essential. Proficiency in Spanish is preferred but not required.

Employee Benefits

This is an “Excepted Appointment,” full-time position with federal benefits and salary commensurate with experience and qualifications within the range of AD-21 to AD-29 ($85,573 - $197,100). Among the many benefits of employment are the Federal Employees Retirement System, the Thrift Savings Plan (401k), paid annual and sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, and health, life, disability, long-term care, dental, and vision insurance. Salary is payable only by direct deposit.

Miscellaneous

This is a full-time position dedicated to all stages of the magistrate and district court proceedings. Our attorneys are expected to be zealous advocates of the highest caliber, devoted to the defense of low-income clients and the enforcement of the Bill of Rights. Our robust litigation practice challenges every stage of the criminal proceeding, from bond hearings, pretrial motions, jury trials, and sentencings to post-conviction retroactive relief projects. Because mitigation is a core component of our work, our attorneys, investigators, and support staff collaborate on every case. Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law. The office has a telework policy that permits employees to work at home up to two days per week.

Application Info

Qualified applicants should apply via email by submitting a letter of interest, a resume, and a writing sample that is your own work, combined in .pdf format, to Veronica Knights, Personnel Administrator, at employment@cofpd.org . Subject reference line should be AFPD – Trial Division.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

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