ASSISTANT FEDERAL DEFENDER 2026-06

About Us

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Connecticut provides legal representation to persons charged with committing federal crimes who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. We represent the accused from arrest through trial and appeal, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Our team includes attorneys, paralegals, investigators, mitigation specialists, office administrators, and information technology specialists. We foster interdisciplinary skill sets to ensure compassionate and comprehensive representation, upholding every person's right to be presumed innocent, to have a fair trial, to mitigation, and to a fair sentence if convicted. Our defense is vigorous, both at trial and on appeal, advocating for humane sentences through client-centered representation that honors an individual's lived experience.

We are committed to cultivating a culture of acceptance and connectedness that honors the diverse backgrounds of the people we represent. Our commitment to inclusion is integral to our commitment to a fair justice system. We welcome the full spectrum of humanity in recruiting team members and embrace the unique contributions employees bring due to their backgrounds, social identities, and lived experiences. We believe the best legal representation occurs through a diverse, collaborative, and inclusive workforce.

About the Role

We seek a Research and Writing Attorney to join our Hartford office in August 2026. The Research and Writing Attorney drafts motions, memoranda, petitions, and briefs to be filed in the U.S. District Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. The role also involves consulting with assistant defenders on legal issues arising in motion practice, evidentiary hearings, trials, and appeals. A Research and Writing Attorney may perform general paralegal duties. Teamwork and mutual support are essential, as the office's business often requires collaboration at unpredictable times. The job description provided is a sample, and other duties may arise as needed.

Responsibilities

• Draft motions, memoranda, petitions, and briefs for federal courts, including the U.S. District Court, U.S. Court of Appeals, and U.S. Supreme Court.
• Consult with assistant defenders on legal issues in motion practice, evidentiary hearings, trials, and appeals.
• Perform general paralegal duties as needed.
• Collaborate with team members to support office needs, which may arise unpredictably.

Requirements

• A desire and capacity to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong legal research and word processing skills.
• Ability to analyze legal issues from complex records and write clearly and concisely.
• Understanding of criminal law, criminal procedure, and evidence.
• Knowledge of sentencing guidelines and evidence handling.
• Computer fluency in Microsoft Office suite, including Excel and Adobe Acrobat.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect legal privileges.
• Ability to recognize and analyze problems and recommend practical solutions.
• Desire to work with and on behalf of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong commitment to providing holistic representational support to indigent persons in federal criminal proceedings.
• Valid driver’s license, insurance, and access to a personal vehicle for business purposes (mileage is reimbursable).
• Occasional travel, including night and weekend work, may be required.

Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including an FBI fingerprint and name check.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice, in good standing, before the highest court of a state.
• Appellate writing experience or experience in handling federal criminal cases is preferred.
• Proficiency in Spanish is preferred.

Pay

The 2026 salary plan for this position has a starting salary range of $86,596 to $197,100, based on the candidate’s professional attorney experience.

Benefits

• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
• Health insurance and life insurance.
• Retirement plan and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (401k).
• Teleworking opportunities, consistent with office policy, court obligations, and position duties.