The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting
applications for full-time attorney positions in its trial unit, stationed in its office in downtown
Los Angeles, California. The trial unit is committed to the pursuit of justice by zealously
advocating in federal court for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of individuals who
are accused or convicted of crimes and cannot afford their own lawyer.
The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is committed to equal
opportunity in the workplace. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender
identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.
Job Duties: Trial attorneys primarily represent indigent individuals charged with violating
federal criminal statutes by handling all stages of federal criminal trial matters in the district
court. Core job duties include appearing on behalf of clients in court hearings and other related
proceedings; visiting clients in jail; drafting motions, briefs, and legal memoranda; and
collaborating with investigators, paralegals, and support staff. On occasion, trial attorneys are
also assigned cases involving appeals after conviction and post-conviction matters that are
involved in federal court proceedings. Trial attorneys must be available to work during regular
business hours, and when necessary, during evenings and weekends. Trial attorneys may work
remotely up to two days a week.