The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting
applications for a full-time attorney position in its trial unit in Santa Ana, California. The Santa
Ana Office represents individuals charged with federal crimes occurring in Orange County. The
trial unit is committed to the pursuit of justice by aggressively 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.