Federal Public Defender - District of Maryland

Announcement FPD-MD26

Location: Baltimore, MD

Appointment: Four-Year Term/Full-time, to start fall 2026

Salary: $195,200

Closing Date: January 5, 2026

ABOUT THE JOB

The Federal Public Defender, functioning under the authority of 18 U.S.C. Section 3006A(g)(2)(A) and the Criminal Justice Act Plan of the District, provides criminal defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel. In addition, the Federal Public Defender supervises a staff of trial and appellate attorneys, investigators, and support personnel.

The Fourth Circuit prides itself on being collegial and collaborative, as well as an overall exemplary place to work. We warmly welcome those who share our vision, values, and passion to apply.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must satisfy the following conditions: (1) be a member in good standing of the highest court of at least one state or the District of Columbia, and a member in good standing of every other State Bar of which they are a member; (2) have a minimum of five years of criminal practice experience, preferably with significant federal criminal trial experience, which demonstrates an ability to provide zealous representation of consistently high quality to criminal defendants; 3) the ability to effectively administer the office; (4) a reputation for integrity; and (5) a commitment to the representation of those unable to afford counsel.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or be eligible to work in the United States and receive compensation. The final candidate will be subject to a full background investigation including fingerprinting and appropriate financial disclosure regulations. The Federal Public Defender may not engage in the private practice of law. Employees are required to use Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposits. Reimbursement for interview-related travel expenses and relocation are not provided.

The Fourth Circuit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

HOW TO APPLY

Email as a single PDF document to vacancy@ca4.uscourts.gov:

1) a cover letter and résumé, including where you saw this announcement

2) a Federal Public Defender application (fpd_app_re.pdf(uscourts.gov)

3) a Federal Judiciary application (https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/ao_078_revised_2024-03-04_fillable_002-2.pdf)

4) letter(s) of reference (optional)

Applications must be COMPLETED AND RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 5:00 p.m. EDT, January 5, 2026.

The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, adjust the duty station, withdraw the job announcement, or fill the position sooner than the closing date, if a closing date is shown; any of these actions may occur without any prior written or other type of notice.

Notice of Vacancy - Federal Public Defender, District of Maryland (apply by 1/5/26)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $195,200.00 per year

Ability to Relocate:

• Baltimore, MD 21240: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person