The Federal Public Defender, Southern District of Texas, is accepting applications for the position of
Assistant Federal Public Defender to be stationed in the Houston, TX office. The federal defender
organization operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide defense
services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court.
Requirements.
An assistant federal public defender must be: (1) a graduate of an accredited law school
and admitted to practice in good standing before the highest court of a state; (2) licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas by the time of entrance on duty. Spanish language
proficiency is preferred for this position. Three to five years of relevant experience is preferred.
Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation including an FBI name and fingerprint
check and an IRS tax check.
Duties.
The assistant federal public defender will primarily appear in the district court and will represent
clients charged with federal criminal offenses as well as clients involved in other matters covered under the Criminal Justice Act. The position requires travel for investigation, litigation, and training. Federal public defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.
Selection Criteria.
The successful applicant will have an established capacity or clearly demonstrated
aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and a reputation for personal and professional integrity. Applicants must also possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, staff, and court and agency personnel as part of their employment.
Salary and Benefits.
The salary of an assistant federal public defender is commensurate with that of an
assistant United States attorney with similar qualifications and experience. The position is in the excepted
service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position does include
regular government employment benefits including health and life insurance, retirement, and the Thrift
Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit).
How to Apply.
Qualified persons may apply by forwarding a letter of interest (mentioning announcement
number 26-01H), résumé, and representative writing sample. Legal experience should be described in
detail. Application packet should be received by January 26, 2026, to: Federal Public Defender, Southern
District of Texas, 440 Louisiana Street, Suite 1350, Houston, Texas 77002, or email in PDF format to
TXS_Employment@FD.ORG. For applicants with disabilities, this organization provides reasonable
accommodations, which are decided on a case-by-case basis.
To request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please contact Administrative Officer Laura Dusthimer at (713) 718-4600.
More than one position may be filled with this announcement. Position announced on
January 05, 2026; open until filled.
Subject to the availability of funds.
The Federal Public Defender is an equal-opportunity employer.