Assistant Federal Public Defender - CHU

Overview

Court Name/Organization Arkansas Eastern Federal Public Defender

Location:

Little Rock, AR

Opening and Closing Dates: 02/03/2026 - Open Until Filled

Appointment Type:
Permanent

Classification Level/Grade: AD 21 - AD 29

Salary: $76,748 - $197,100

Announcement Number: 2026-03

The CHU represents death-sentenced prisoners in federal postconviction proceedings. We advocate for the legal rights and inherent dignity of persons sentenced to death. We value collaboration and a client-centered approach in our work.

We are seeking an Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Capital Habeas Unit (CHU) with a commitment to indigent criminal defense. Ideal candidates will have excellent oral and written communication skills, work well with a team, and be able to multitask, meet concrete deadlines, and exercise discipline. The ideal candidate will be client-centered, creative, open-minded, a quick learner, honest, hard-working, energetic, and respectful of others, with a strong commitment to social justice.

• Work on all stages of capital habeas cases.
• Meet with and develop relationships with clients.
• Review and summarize trial transcripts.
• Supervise teams of investigators, paralegals, and other attorneys; direct and review the results of investigations.
• Work with experts; draft habeas corpus petitions and briefs.
• Conduct evidentiary hearings; present oral arguments.
• Pursue clemency; seek stays of execution.

Applicants must be members in good standing of a State Bar and must be eligible for admission to the Bar of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas, as well as the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. A final offer of employment is subject to a background check and availability of funding.

Membership in the Arkansas Bar or willingness to obtain membership is preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in criminal law, complex civil litigation, death-penalty litigation, or habeas corpus litigation (practice or judicial clerkship).

Salary ranges from $76,748 to $197,100 commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and the thrift savings plan. The position is excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. We are an equal opportunity employer.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

To be considered, please send the following in PDF form to : (1) a letter of interest; (2) a resume; (3) a writing sample; and (4) three references. A final offer of employment is subject to a background check and the availability of funding. More than one vacancy may be filled. Open until filled. No phone calls or follow-up emails please.