Federal Public Defender

Overview of the Position

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit is accepting applications from all qualified persons for the position of Federal Public Defender for the District of Colorado due to the retirement of the incumbent. The term of office is four years, with potential for successive appointments. The current authorized annual salary is $197,200. The position is located in Denver, Colorado.

The Federal Public Defender provides federal criminal defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel.

• A member in good standing in the bar of the state in which he/she is admitted to practice.
• A minimum of five years 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.
• An ability to effectively administer the office.
• A reputation for integrity.
• A commitment to the representation of those unable to afford counsel.

A merit selection committee will screen all applications, conduct personal interviews of some or all applicants, and make recommendations to the Court of Appeals. Appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation.

Application materials are available in the job posting on the court’s website.

Application formats other than those approved and distributed by the Court of Appeals will not be accepted.

One original completed application should be e‑mailed to the Circuit Executive for the Tenth Circuit, Attn:
Leslee Fathallah .

Applications must be received no later than end of day on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.