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    Assistant Federal Public Defender (Appeals/Non-Capital Habeas Unit)

    Expires: 2026-05-24
    Organization
    Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of PA
    Salary
    $79, 351 – $197,100
    Job Status
    Full Time
    Apply for job
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

    The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania is accepting
    applications for the position of Assistant Federal Public Defender (AFPD) in the
    Appeals/Non-Capital Habeas Unit in the Pittsburgh Office.

    The AFPD position primary involves legal representation of indigent persons in direct
    criminal appeals and in federal habeas corpus proceedings in the United States District
    Court, the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.
    Responsibilities include managing a caseload with cases at varying stages of litigation;
    researching, briefing, and arguing appeals; handling federal habeas corpus and other
    post-conviction matters, including briefing and appearing for evidentiary hearings;
    assisting the office’s trial attorneys in identifying and raising legal issues in complex
    cases by consulting, researching, and drafting district court briefing; and monitoring
    relevant legal developments and training other lawyers on the impact of those
    developments. The balance of responsibilities among these duties will vary depending
    on the office’s needs.

    Requirements

    The successful applicant must be a graduate from an accredited law school. Excellent research, writing and oral advocacy skills are required, as is a demonstrated commitment to indigent defense. Courtroom experience is preferred. 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.

    Job Contact
    Joseph Pisciotta
    4126446565 paw_employment@fd.org