Job Details

Kansas Federal Public Defender

Position Announcement

Full-time Assistant Federal Public Defender, Kansas City, Kansas

Posted January 13, 2026

Deadline: February 20, 2026 (or until filled)

The Federal Public Defender for the District of Kansas 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.

About Us. We work to keep people out of the criminal legal system through holistic representation, collaboration, and education. Our clients are people accused of federal crimes who cannot afford to hire private lawyers. We protect our clients' rights and center their humanity at every stage of the criminal case and beyond. We value hard work, diversity, teamwork, creativity, flexibility, and fairness.

The Job. Assistant Federal Public Defenders must meet individual client needs while managing full caseloads. AFPDs develop release plans; review discovery; research, write, and litigate motions; develop litigation strategy; work with experts; negotiate resolutions; serve as counsel in jury trials; navigate complex federal sentencing statutes and guidelines; and advocate for fair sentences and alternative outcomes.

Attorneys in our office may not engage in private practice. You must:

• Have a degree from an accredited law school
• Be admitted to practice and in good standing before the highest court of any state or the District of Columbia (you are not required to be a member of the Kansas state bar)
• Be admitted (by the time of duty) to the US District Court for the District of Kansas
• Residency requirements can be found here
• Be committed to our mission and work well in a team environment
• Be comfortable working closely with a diverse set of clients You should:
• Have experience in criminal defense or federal courts • Have excellent research, writing, and oral-advocacy skills • Have strong computer and technological skills Spanish fluency is a plus.

Five years or more of federal criminal trial experience is preferred.

Salary & Benefits. Kansas FPD employees enjoy experience-based salaries. The starting salary range is up to $145,000 for 7 years of experience; and up to $197,100 for 15 years or more. The FPD also offers generous benefits:

• 11 paid holidays, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday and Juneteenth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness, if qualified • Federal Employees Retirement System
• Thrift Savings Plan
• Health (100+ options)
• Dental (16 options)
• Vision (10 options)
• Life Insurance (basic, standard, additional, family) • Flex Spending Accounts
• Commuter Benefit Program
• Long Term & Short-Term Disability
• Long Term Care
• Transportation Subsidy
• Employee Assistance Program (confidential counseling and assistance)
• 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
• Bring your Infant to Work program
• Education and training
• Awards (cash, time-off)

Apply. Send a letter of interest, resume, writing sample, and three professional references in a single pdf document to ...@fd.org . Preference will be given to applications received by February 20, 2026. We may fill current and future positions from this position announcement. This position is subject to approval of funding. No phone inquiries.