First Assistant

About the role

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Middle District of Pennsylvania seeks a First Assistant Federal Public Defender. This role requires a leader with strong professional judgment and a commitment to client-centered advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the office, including approving expenditures, reviewing travel and procurement decisions, overseeing compliance systems, maintaining internal controls, supervising administrative and personnel staff, and sharing responsibility for stewardship of public funds.
• Play a critical role in shaping the office's structure and culture by mentoring staff, addressing workplace concerns, supporting performance management systems, and ensuring clear and consistent expectations are met.

Requirements

• Strong professional judgment and commitment to client-centered advocacy.
• Exacting attention to detail and adherence to rules-based systems.
• Supervisory or management experience, and experience with budgeting, administrative oversight, or roles involving oversight of public funds.
• Meaningful litigation experience and deep knowledge of defense work.

Qualifications

• A demonstrated commitment to client-centered advocacy.
• Experience with budgeting, administrative oversight, or roles involving oversight of public funds.
• Meaningful litigation experience and deep knowledge of defense work.
• A background reflecting a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and a commitment to building a workplace grounded in mutual respect, collaboration, and humility.
• Steady under pressure, fair in judgment, comfortable balancing warmth with accountability, and reliable in modeling the standards expected from others.
• A model of professional excellence, integrity, and respect in every interaction.

Skills

• Strong leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.

Benefits

We believe defense work is strongest when it reflects a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and we're committed to building a workplace grounded in mutual respect, collaboration, and humility.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $80,000 - $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Schedule

This is a full-time position based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.