The Middle District of Alabama Federal Defender Program, Inc., in Montgomery, Alabama, is accepting
applications for a full-time attorney in the appellate unit.
Appellate attorneys primarily represent indigent defendants in direct criminal appeals. Core job
duties include counseling clients with respect to their appeals and preparing briefs and presenting
oral argument in the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Appeal unit attorneys also assist trial
attorneys in complex cases and represent petitioners in a variety of postconviction matters brought
in the district court. They are expected to develop and maintain expertise in multiple areas of
law and provide training and assistance as needed by the office.
Criteria for this position includes creativity, intellectual acuity, energy, and enthusiasm; as
well as excellent research, writing, advocacy, and instructional skills; ability to communicate and
work well with others and on a case team; demonstrated interest in criminal defense issues;
commitment to community and intern training; and commitment to obtaining justice for indigent
persons. Overnight travel is occasionally required for oral argument. Applicants must be a member
in good standing of a State Bar by the initial hire date, have a driver’s license and appropriate
motor vehicle insurance. Attorneys in this office may not engage in private practice.
Salaries for all positions depend on experience and are comparable to salaries provided to
comparable positions in the Office of the U.S. Attorneys. This office provides excellent benefits.
To apply for any position, email a letter of interest, resume, two representative writing samples,
and three professional references in a single PDF document to: ALM_Employment@fd.org. No phone
calls, please.
Applications will be accepted through close of business on February 27, 2026. Hiring is dependent
upon the appropriation of funding and approval of the funding source.
This program is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal opportunity for all qualified
people who desire to use their skills and abilities in our workplace on behalf of our clients,
regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, national origin, age, religion
or disability. This program is committed to a diverse staff.