ASSISTANT FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER – TRIAL UNIT – Cincinnati
Position Announcement 26-003
The Federal Public Defender for the Southern District of Ohio is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Trial Unit of our Cincinnati office.
The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Southern District of Ohio provides the highest quality legal representation in criminal cases to people who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. Our Trial and Appellate Units represent people who have been accused of federal criminal offenses from the onset of their case, through the trial and appellate phases. Our Capital Habeas Unit represents people sentenced to death in Ohio and around the country in state and federal courts and through all subsequent proceedings.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Our teams of attorneys, paralegals, investigators, office administrators, and information technology specialists effectively use interdisciplinary skill-sets to ensure compassionate and comprehensive representation centered on our clients and their needs. The Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Trial Unit will be an integral member of the Cincinnati team and must be completely committed to creative, passionate, and fierce advocacy on behalf of people who cannot afford to pay for such representation.
The Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Trial Unit will provide zealous, professional, and strategic legal representation to clients charged with federal criminal offenses, at the trial level. Responsibilities include managing an extensive caseload with cases at varying stages of litigation; preparing pleadings, briefs and motions; developing litigation strategies; meeting with clients, experts, witnesses and family members; appearing on behalf of clients in court; and other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
The most important qualification for any position in our office is an unshakable commitment to skillfully helping those in need and the willingness and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment dedicated to that goal. Our office values people with a wide range of experience and perspectives and works to foster a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, openness, and humility that honors the people we represent. We seek team members who share those values. We are interested in applicants’ talent, intelligence, dedication, and persistence, and desire to see that all people are treated fairly and respectfully – no matter the allegations they face or the circumstances leading to their need for the compassionate and dynamic advocacy we provide.
The successful applicant must be a graduate from an accredited law school and a member in good standing of the bar of any state or territory. A minimum of 3-5 years of experience defending criminal cases, with some federal experience, is preferred. Trial experience, strong research skills, the ability to write persuasively and compellingly, and excellent oral advocacy skills are required. The applicant must be able to work in a team environment, communicate clearly and effectively, exhibit strong organizational skills, and appropriately set priorities.
Fluency in Spanish is a plus. Attorneys in the Office of the Federal Public Defender may not engage in the private practice of law.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary of the successful applicant will be commensurate with the person’s qualifications and years of experience. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). The position offers federal employment benefits, including paid vacation, paid sick time, paid holidays, health insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401k). Part-time teleworking is available, consistent with office policy, court obligations, and position duties, but the applicant must reside in or be willing to relocate to the greater Cincinnati area.
HOW TO APPLY
Qualified applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume, two recent writing samples (limited to 10 pages each), and three professional references. All materials should be submitted in PDF format, to OHS_employment@fd.org, by Monday, March 9,2026. Submissions that are incomplete or fail to follow the instructions above will not be considered.
The Federal Public Defender, Southern District of Ohio is an equal opportunity employer. The FPDO provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.