Federal Public Defender – Central District of California

About the role

The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit seeks a qualified Federal Public Defender to lead the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Central District of California. This four‑year appointment, with the possibility of successive terms, carries an authorized annual salary of $197,200.

Key responsibilities

• Provide criminal defense services to individuals who cannot afford counsel under the Criminal Justice Act.
• Oversee an annual budget of approximately $58 million.
• Manage a staff of more than 230 employees, including roughly 105 attorneys, 26 paralegals, 35 investigators, and supporting personnel.
• Maintain the primary office in Los Angeles and supervise branch offices in Santa Ana and Riverside.
• Ensure compliance with 18 U.S.C. 3006A(g)(2)(A) and the Central District’s CJAP plan.

Required profile

• All qualified persons are invited to apply; candidates must possess the legal credentials and experience required to lead a large federal public‑defender office.
• Demonstrated ability to manage substantial budgets and large multidisciplinary teams.

Required skills

What we offer

• Leadership of a high‑profile federal office serving a major California district.
• Competitive federal salary and benefits.
• Opportunity to shape public‑defense policy and practice across multiple locations.