Employment

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Assistant Federal Public Defender – Seattle and Tacoma, Washington

Position No. 26-01

Announced: February 9, 2026

Closes: Open until filled. Priority given to applications received by March 9, 2026

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Washington (FPD) is accepting applications for full-time Assistant Federal Public Defenders (AFPDs) for our Seattle and Tacoma offices. The FPD is dedicated to providing zealous, client-centered advocacy with a team approach. We are looking for AFPDs with a demonstrated commitment to the same. 

Responsibilities: AFPDs advocate for clients charged with federal criminal offenses or involved in habeas proceedings in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. AFPD caseloads depend upon the needs of the office. AFPDs should be willing to work on a range of cases, from misdemeanors to complex felonies to immigration habeas petitions. AFPDs prepare pleadings, briefs, and motions; appear on behalf of clients in court hearings; develop litigation strategies; meet with clients, experts, witnesses, and family members; and perform other duties as assigned. AFPDs advocate for their clients in collaboration with teams of investigators, paralegals, social workers, and others. This position requires some travel throughout our district and occasional out-of-district travel. Lawyers in the Seattle office may be assigned to cases filed in the Tacoma courthouse and vice versa.

Selection Criteria: A successful applicant will demonstrate a commitment to advocacy on behalf of the underserved, marginalized, and poor; a reputation for integrity; and the ability to work well as part of a team. Applicants must possess at least three years of state or federal criminal trial, or similar litigation, experience. Applicants should have a familiarity with litigation-related technology and a willingness to learn programs as needed. They must be able to manage a full caseload and travel if necessary. Spanish fluency is a plus.

Applicants must be law-school graduates, licensed attorneys in good standing with a federal or state bar, and eligible for admission to the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Applicants must meet the employment eligibility requirements of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. As a condition of employment, candidates must be fingerprinted and successfully complete a background check. A prior criminal conviction is not necessarily disqualifying.

Salary & Benefits: This position has a salary range of $86,261 to $197,100. The salary will be based on professional attorney experience. Benefits include health and life insurance as well as 11 paid federal holidays, 13 days of paid sick leave, and 13 days of paid vacation leave annually. (The rate of paid vacation leave increases with years of service.) The position is eligible for the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which matches up to 5% of employee contributions. Salary is paid biweekly and only by direct deposit. Partial telework is available for this position.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: Our office values diversity, is committed to equity and inclusion, and aspires to create a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, openness, and humility that honors the people we represent. We embrace the unique contributions our employees can bring to the FPD because of their backgrounds, social identities, and lived experiences. We believe representation is better when members of the defense team have diverse backgrounds and experiences. We seek colleagues who share this belief and commitment. We are interested in applicants’ talent, intelligence, dedication, persistence, and desire to see that all people are treated fairly and respectfully—no matter the allegation or circumstance.

The FPD seeks applications from a diverse group of qualified individuals in terms of race, ethnicity, nation of origin, culture, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual identity, education, opinions, age, languages spoken, veteran status, disability, religion, and socio- economic circumstance. We especially encourage applications from people who have been affected by the criminal legal system and people from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.

How to Apply: Qualified persons may apply by emailing a letter of interest, résumé, and two professional references (including names, email addresses, and telephone numbers) as a single PDF document to wawpersonnel@fd.org. Please include the position title “AFPD” in the email subject line. 

Please indicate if you are interested in the Seattle position, the Tacoma position, or both. Only applicants granted interviews will be contacted. Initial interviews may be conducted in person or via video conference. No telephone inquiries please.

This position is subject to available funds.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Legal Assistant – Tacoma, Washington

Position No: 26-04

Announced: February 9, 2026

Closes: Open until filled. Priority given to applications received by March 9, 2026.

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Washington (FPD) is accepting applications for a full-time legal assistant for our Tacoma office. The FPD represents people charged with federal crimes who cannot afford to hire an attorney or are entitled to one. The Court appoints our attorneys to represent accused persons before charges are filed, upon arrest, for the appeals process, and through federal habeas corpus review. Legal assistant candidates should have interest or experience in criminal defense work and the desire to advocate for people accused of committing crimes even when the evidence against them appears strong. We provide a vigorous defense at trial and, if our clients are convicted, at sentencing and on appeal. We advocate for humane sentences by developing mitigation evidence to present judges with full views of our clients and their lives, not merely their charges.

The legal assistant should have initiative, resourcefulness, creativity, compassion, and a desire to stand up for those with few resources. This position is supervised by the Supervisory Administrative Assistant.

Responsibilities: 

• Provide office support and front-desk duties including answering phone calls and greeting clients/visitors
• Maintain and update databases for staff information and case files
• Archive files to off-site storage as needed or directed
• Scan, download, and photocopy legal documents and case materials
• Assist with word processing tasks and assignments
• Receive and handle deliveries and process office mail
• Maintain staff schedules
• Schedule and maintain calendars for office conference rooms and G-cars
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements: The successful candidate must be a high school graduate (or equivalent) and have at least one year of office experience, preferably in a law office. Spanish fluency is desired but not required. Applicants must meet the employment eligibility requirements of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. As a condition of employment, candidates must be fingerprinted and complete a background check. A prior criminal conviction is not necessarily disqualifying.

Salary and Benefits: This position has a starting salary range of $51,037 to $62,809 (Grade 6, Step 1 to Grade 8, Step 1) based on the Judiciary Salary Plan effective January 12, 2026. Salary will be based on experience. Benefits include health and life insurance plus 12 paid federal holidays, 13 days of paid sick leave, and 13 days of paid vacation leave annually. (The rate of vacation accrual increases with years of service.) The position is eligible for the Federal Employees Retirement System and the Thrift Savings Plan, which matches up to 5% of employee contributions. Salary is paid biweekly and only by direct deposit. 

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: Our office values diversity, is committed to equity and inclusion, and aspires to create a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, openness, and humility that honors the people we represent. We embrace the unique contributions our employees can bring to the FPD because of their backgrounds, social identities, and lived experiences. We believe representation is better when members of the defense team have diverse backgrounds and experiences. We seek colleagues who share this belief and commitment. We are interested in applicants’ talent, intelligence, dedication, persistence, and desire to see that all people are treated fairly and respectfully—no matter the allegation or circumstance.

The FPD seeks applications from a diverse group of qualified individuals in terms of race, ethnicity, nation of origin, culture, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual identity, education, opinions, age, languages spoken, veteran status, disability, religion, and socio- economic circumstance. We especially encourage applications from people who have been affected by the criminal legal system and people from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.

How to Apply: Qualified persons may apply by emailing a letter of interest, résumé, and two professional references (including names, email addresses, and telephone numbers) as a single PDF document to wawpersonnel@fd.org. Please include the position title “Legal Assistant” in the email subject line.

Preference will be given to applications received by March 9, 2026. Only applicants granted interviews will be contacted. Initial interviews may be conducted in person or via video conference. No telephone inquiries please. 

This position is subject to available funds.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Investigator – Tacoma, Washington

Position No. 26-02

Announced: February 9, 2026

Closes: Open until filled. Priority given to applications received by March 9, 2026.

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Washington (FPD) is accepting applications for a full-time criminal defense investigator with a duty station in the Tacoma office. The FPD represents people charged with federal crimes who cannot afford to hire an attorney or are entitled to one. The Court appoints our attorneys to represent accused persons before charges are filed, upon arrest, for the appeals process, and through federal habeas corpus review. Candidates should demonstrate a strong background in criminal defense investigation and be dedicated to defending those accused of committing crimes even when the evidence against them appears strong. Candidates should be self-motivated, resourceful, and client-centered, and should demonstrate a commitment to social justice, the promotion of equity, and anti-oppressive practices. This position is supervised by the Chief Investigator.

Responsibilities: The investigator will provide criminal defense investigation for our clients charged with criminal offenses and violations or involved in post-conviction proceedings in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Our office occasionally represents clients charged in other districts.

We seek an investigator with experience working as a member of defense teams, advocating for people accused of committing crimes, and showing the humanity of the people accused even when the evidence against them appears strong. They should have initiative, creativity, compassion, and a desire to stand up for those with few resources—with a demonstrated ability to do so in the face of considerable power and influence. They will perform both fact and mitigation investigation at all stages of litigation; gather and maintain records; review and analyze discovery and case documents, including forensic data; conduct background investigations; locate and interview witnesses; report information gathered from interviews to attorneys and case teams; meet with clients regularly; identify and work with experts and assist with their contracts; document and photograph findings; serve subpoenas; coordinate witnesses for hearings and trial; provide assistance to attorneys and case team members; prepare declarations and affidavits; and testify at trials and hearings if needed. Investigators in the Tacoma office may also be assigned to cases filed in the Seattle courthouse.

The investigator will collaborate with teams of attorneys, paralegals, social workers, and other staff to uphold every person’s right to be presumed innocent and to receive a fair sentence if convicted. The FPD provides a vigorous defense at trial and, if our client is convicted, at sentencing and on appeal. We advocate for humane sentences by developing mitigation evidence and presenting judges with fully developed views of our clients and their lives, not merely their charges.

Selection Criteria: The selected candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to quality representation and will have recent, substantial criminal defense investigation experience. Spanish fluency is preferred. 

The investigator must be able to manage a challenging caseload, set and meet deadlines, organize case materials, determine priorities, travel within the United States and internationally, and work flexible hours. Desireable skills include having a reputation for integrity; the ability to assess and safely work within potentially dangerous environments; excellent communication, writing, and people skills; and proficiency in various technology such as digital forensics, online databases, and OSINT. Familiarity with Western Washington and knowledge of and experience working with clients from a range of backgrounds is preferred. This position demands considerable discretion, resourcefulness, creativity, initiative, and interpersonal skills. 

Requirements: The successful candidate must have a college degree or the equivalent of three years of general experience, a minimum of three years of investigative experience, and working knowledge of investigative principles, practices, methods, and techniques. They must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive (including long distances). 

Applicants must meet the employment eligibility requirements of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. As a condition of employment, candidates must be fingerprinted and successfully complete a background check. A prior criminal conviction is not necessarily disqualifying.

Salary and Benefits: This position has a starting salary range of $83,935 to $141,367 (Grade 11, Step 1 to Grade 14, Step 1). The full performance salary range is $109,122 to $183,782 (Grade 11, Step 10 to Grade 14, Step 10). These ranges are based on the Judicial Salary Plan effective January 12, 2026. The salary will be based on professional experience. Benefits include health and life insurance plus 11 paid federal holidays, 13 days of paid sick leave, and 13 days of paid vacation leave annually. (The rate of paid vacation leave increases with years of service.) The position is eligible for the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which matches up to 5% of employee contributions. Salary is paid biweekly and only by direct deposit. Partial telework is available for this position.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: Our office values diversity, is committed to equity and inclusion, and aspires to create a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, openness, and humility that honors the people we represent. We embrace the unique contributions our employees can bring to the FPD because of their backgrounds, social identities, and lived experiences. We believe representation is better when members of the defense team have diverse backgrounds and experiences. We seek colleagues who share this belief and commitment. We are interested in applicants’ talent, intelligence, dedication, persistence, and desire to see that all people are treated fairly and respectfully—no matter the allegation or circumstance.

The FPD seeks applications from a diverse group of qualified individuals in terms of race, ethnicity, nation of origin, culture, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual identity, education, opinions, age, languages spoken, veteran status, disability, religion, and socio- economic circumstance. We especially encourage applications from people who have been affected by the criminal legal system and people from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.

How to Apply: Qualified persons may apply by emailing a letter of interest, résumé, and two professional references (including names, email addresses, and telephone numbers) as a single PDF document to wawpersonnel@fd.org. Please include the position title “Investigator” in the email subject line. 

Only applicants granted interviews will be contacted. Initial interviews may be conducted in person or via video conference. No telephone inquiries please. 

This position is subject to available funds.

Position Announcement 

Discovery Coordinator (Paralegal) – Seattle, Washington

Position No. 26-05

Announced: February 11, 2026

Closes: Open until filled. Priority given to applications received by March 11, 2026.

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Washington (FPD) is accepting applications for a full-time discovery coordinator/paralegal. This position will be stationed in the Seattle office but will provide support to both the Seattle and Tacoma offices. The FPD represents people charged with federal crimes who cannot afford to hire an attorney or are entitled to one. The Court appoints our attorneys to represent accused persons before charges are filed, upon arrest, for the appeals process, and through federal habeas corpus review. Discovery coordinator candidates should demonstrate a background in electronic discovery management and be dedicated to defending those accused of committing crimes even when the evidence against them appears strong. The candidate should be self-motivated, resourceful, creative, and client-centered, and should demonstrate a commitment to social justice, the promotion of equity, and anti-oppressive practices. This position is supervised by the Chief Paralegal.

Responsibilities: The discovery coordinator receives, processes, and organizes electronic discovery and assists teams in digesting voluminous information for case preparation, trial, sentencing, direct appeal, and habeas proceedings. They will have a general understanding of electronic discovery production formats. The discovery coordinator will collaborate with all case team members, including attorneys, paralegals, investigators, mitigation specialists, and IT, in a demanding and fast-paced environment. They will adapt to different needs and preferences of the end users. The discovery coordinator will produce discovery to clients and experts for their independent review of the evidence. They will also provide technical advice and troubleshooting for the general management of electronic discovery workflow.

Selection Criteria: The selected candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to quality representation and have a strong interest in electronic discovery management. The discovery coordinator must be able to prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. The position demands a solution-oriented workstyle; excellent communication plus interpersonal and organizational skills; and a high degree of personal responsibility and integrity. Candidates must have a familiarity with, or willingness to learn, a variety of electronic discovery management tools, such as Everlaw, Excel, Ipro Eclipse, and Relativity. Candidates must have experiencing working with Adobe Acrobat and the full Microsoft Office Suite. 

Requirements: The successful candidate must have a college degree (or the equivalent of three years of general experience) and a minimum of three years of specialized experience in the primary duties of this position. The duty station is in our Seattle office but regular visits to the Tacoma office will be required. 

Applicants must meet the employment eligibility requirements of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. As a condition of employment, candidates must be fingerprinted and complete a background check. A prior criminal conviction is not necessarily disqualifying.

Salary & Benefits: This position has a starting salary range of $83,935 to $141,367 (Grade 11, Step 1 to Grade 14, Step 1) and a full performance salary range of $109,122 to $183,782 (Grade 11, Step 10 to Grade 14, Step 10) based on the Judicial Salary Plan effective January 12, 2026. Salary will be based on professional experience. Benefits include health and life insurance plus 11 paid federal holidays, 13 days of paid sick leave, and 13 days of paid vacation leave annually. (The rate of vacation accrual increases with years of service.) The position is eligible for the Federal Employees Retirement System and the Thrift Savings Plan, which matches up to 5% of employee contributions. Salary is paid biweekly and only by direct deposit. Partial telework is available for this position. Occasional work outside of regular business hours may be required.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: Our office values diversity, is committed to equity and inclusion, and aspires to create a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, openness, and humility that honors the people we represent. We embrace the unique contributions our employees can bring to the FPD because of their backgrounds, social identities, and lived experiences. We believe representation is better when members of the defense team have diverse backgrounds and experiences. We seek colleagues who share this belief and commitment. We are interested in applicants’ talent, intelligence, dedication, persistence, and desire to see that all people are treated fairly and respectfully—no matter the allegation or circumstance.

The FPD seeks applications from a diverse group of qualified individuals in terms of race, ethnicity, nation of origin, culture, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual identity, education, opinions, age, languages spoken, veteran status, disability, religion, and socio- economic circumstance. We especially encourage applications from people who have been affected by the criminal legal system and people from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.

How to Apply: Qualified persons may apply by emailing a letter of interest, résumé, and two professional references (including names, email addresses, and telephone numbers) as a single PDF document to wawpersonnel@fd.org. Please include the position title “Discovery Coordinator (Paralegal)” in the email subject line.

Preference will be given to applications received by March 11, 2026. Only applicants granted interviews will be contacted. Initial interviews may be conducted in person or via video conference. No telephone inquiries please. 

This position is subject to available funds.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Social Worker/Mitigation Specialist – Seattle/Tacoma, Washington

Position No. 26-03

Announced: February 9, 2026

Closes: Open until filled. Priority given to applications received by March 9, 2026.

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Washington (FPD) is accepting applications for a full-time criminal defense mitigation specialist (MS) with a duty station in either the Seattle or the Tacoma office. The MS will work on cases assigned out of both offices. 

The FPD represents people charged with federal crimes who cannot afford to hire an attorney or are entitled to one. The Court appoints our attorneys to represent accused persons before charges are filed, upon arrest, for the appeals process, and through federal habeas corpus review. We provide a vigorous defense at all stages of our clients’ cases. MS candidates should demonstrate a strong background in social work practice and be dedicated to defending those accused of committing crimes even when the evidence against them appears strong. The MS will offer a holistic approach to legal representation and will advocate for humane sentences by developing mitigation evidence to present judges fully developed views of our clients and their lives, not merely their charges. Candidates should be self-motivated, resourceful, creative, and client-centered, and should demonstrate a commitment to social justice, the promotion of equity, and anti-oppressive practices. This position is supervised by the Chief Investigator.

Responsibilities: The program consists of three main practice areas:

1. Client-level practice: The MS department provides intensive clinical case management services and advocacy for clients at all stages of their criminal cases by conducting biopsychosocial assessments and referrals to housing, mental health and substance use treatment, employment, and medical services. The MS conducts crisis assessment and intervention, offers emotional support to clients, proposes alternatives to incarceration, and helps develop release plans. The MS develops sentence mitigation by conducting extensive interviews of clients, families, and other life-history witnesses. The MS also gathers and evaluates behavioral health, medical, and social service records. The MS composes comprehensive social history reports, family impact statements, reentry and treatment plans, research memos, and diagnostic screenings, and guides retention of behavioral health experts. The MS provides social work support to clients in our alternative courts. The MS also provides advocacy and support to clients during court hearings. 

2. Office-level practice: The MS department is available to colleagues to provide individual case consultation and psychoeducation. The MS plans and delivers continuing education to colleagues and attorneys on the Criminal Justice Act panel. The MS department selects, trains, and supervises social work graduate students. 

3. Community-level practice: The MS department liaises with the Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services, Federal Defender offices nation-wide, and local agencies serving criminal legal system-involved clients. The MS department maintains partnerships with local service providers. 

Selection Criteria: Preference will be given to candidates with a minimum of two years of post-graduate practice experience and/or those with a clinical license such as a LICSW. Experience with forensic social work, the criminal legal system, mental health and addiction treatment, intellectual and developmental disability, or treatment of trauma is desired. The candidate should also demonstrate cultural humility. Candidates should have strong oral and written advocacy and communication skills and be comfortable working independently and on teams. The candidate should be comfortable providing court testimony. This position requires occasional travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of federal court procedures

• Experience drafting mitigation reports

• Familiarity with Western Washington and community resources

• Ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish

Requirements: A Master of Social Work (MSW) degree or a graduate degree in a related field, such as psychology or counseling, is required. The candidate must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive (including long distances). 

Applicants must meet the employment eligibility requirements of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. As a condition of employment, candidates must be fingerprinted and successfully complete a background check. A prior criminal conviction is not necessarily disqualifying.

Salary and Benefits: This position has a starting salary range of $83,935 to $141,367 (Grade 11, Step 1 to Grade 14, Step 1) and full performance salary range of $109,122 to $183,782 (Grade 11, Step 10 to Grade 14, Step 10) based on the Judicial Salary Plan effective January 12, 2026. Salary will be based on professional experience. Benefits include health and life insurance plus 11 paid federal holidays, 13 days of paid sick leave, and 13 days of paid vacation leave annually. (The rate of vacation accrual increases with years of service.) The position is eligible for the Federal Employees Retirement System and the Thrift Savings Plan, which matches up to 5% of employee contributions. Salary is paid biweekly and only by direct deposit. Partial telework is available for this position.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: Our office values diversity, is committed to equity and inclusion, and aspires to create a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, openness, and humility that honors the people we represent. We embrace the unique contributions our employees can bring to the FPD because of their backgrounds, social identities, and lived experiences. We believe representation is better when members of the defense team have diverse backgrounds and experiences. We seek colleagues who share this belief and commitment. We are interested in applicants’ talent, intelligence, dedication, persistence, and desire to see that all people are treated fairly and respectfully—no matter the allegation or circumstance.

The FPD seeks applications from a diverse group of qualified individuals in terms of race, ethnicity, nation of origin, culture, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual identity, education, opinions, age, languages spoken, veteran status, disability, religion, and socio- economic circumstance. We especially encourage applications from people who have been affected by the criminal legal system and people from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.

How to Apply: Qualified persons may apply by emailing a letter of interest, résumé, and two professional references (including names, email addresses, and telephone numbers) as a single PDF document to wawpersonnel@fd.org. Please include the position title “Mitigation Specialist” in the email subject line. 

Only applicants granted interviews will be contacted. Initial interviews may be conducted in person or via video conference. No telephone inquiries please.

This position is subject to available funds.