Federal public defenders are lawyers who represent indigent defendants in federal court. They play an important role in protecting the right to a fair trial.
Salary varies depending on experience, location, and level of education. The median salary for 2024 is $130,940.
Factors that can affect your salary:
- Experience: Defenders with more experience earn higher salaries.
- Location: Defenders in large cities earn more than those in smaller cities.
- Education: Defenders with a law degree and a postgraduate degree earn higher salaries.
Federal public defender salaries are set by the General Schedule (GS). The GS is a system that determines salaries for federal employees.
In addition to their salary, federal public defenders also receive benefits such as:
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
- Life insurance
- Paid leave
- Sick leave
If you want to become a federal public defender:
- You must graduate from law school.
- You must pass the bar exam.
- You must apply to the Federal Public Defender Office.
Federal public defender is a challenging but rewarding career. You play an important role in defending the rights of indigent defendants and ensuring that they receive a fair trial.
