FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER
MIDDLE and WESTERN DISTRICTS OF LOUISIANA
LAFAYETTE HEADQUARTERS

102 Versailles Boulevard, Suite 816
Lafayette, Louisiana 70501

Cristie Gautreaux Gibbens
Federal Public Defender

Posted: June 26, 2026
Closing Date: Open until filled, preference given to applications received before July 17, 2026

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana is accepting applications for a Senior Litigation Attorney position to be stationed in the LAFAYETTE OFFICE, which is located at 102 Versailles Boulevard, Suite 816, Lafayette, LA 70501. The Office of the Federal Public Defender, which has staffed offices in Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Shreveport, operates under the authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide court-appointed defense services in federal criminal cases to individuals unable to afford counsel.

Requirements. A Senior Litigation Attorney must have a minimum of 12 years of experience in federal criminal defense. Applicants must be: (1) a graduate of an accredited law school and admitted to practice and in good standing before the highest court of a State; (2) licensed to practice in the Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana; and (3) licensed to practice law in the State of Louisiana, or must become so licensed at the earliest opportunity after entrance on duty. Preference given to applicants with state or federal capital trial experience. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory FBI fingerprint check.

Duties. The Senior Litigation Attorney is designated as such in recognition of his/her outstanding skills as a litigator and is responsible for assisting Assistant Federal Public Defenders less knowledgeable with advocacy skills. This position carries no administrative responsibilities, and it is a non-supervisory position. The Senior Litigation Attorney reports directly to the Federal Public Defender or other supervising attorney designed by the Defender. Duties include: litigating more serious cases including death penalty offenses, mandatory life offenses or most complex multidefendant litigation, maintaining in-depth and updated knowledge of criminal defense trial and appellate practices and case law. Develops expertise with the federal sentencing guidelines, understands the ethical obligations and restrictions and practice courtroom advocacy. Provides training to attorneys and legal staff members, as well as the private bar, in areas such as current case law developments, advocacy in the courtroom, developing advanced skills in written, oral, and interpersonal communication. Demonstrates skill in dealing with challenging clients. Performs all other duties assigned. The position requires substantial travel to all courthouses within the Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana. A Senior Litigation Attorney may not engage in the private practice of law.

Selection Criteria. The successful applicant will have: a comprehensive knowledge of legal principles, practices, methods and techniques; the ability to identify and evaluate pertinent facts and regulations, policies and precedents; skill and judgment in the analysis of cases and legal opinions; understanding of criminal law, criminal procedure, and evidence; experience performing progressively responsible duties as a lawyer; the skills and ability to execute the duties of the position.

Salary and Benefits. The position is a full-time position with federal benefits and salary commensurate with professional experience and qualifications. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary dependent upon applicant’s qualifications and experience. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit).

How to Apply. Qualified persons may apply by sending the following, in one PDF document, to christina_chicola@fd.org (1) letter of interest; (2) resume with two professional references familiar with applicant’s legal skills; (3) recent writing sample that has not been edited by others; and (4) completed AO78 Application for Judicial Employment found here: https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/ao078.pdf

This position is contingent on the availability of federal funding. Only those granted an interview will be contacted. No phone calls.