Federal Public Defender — Central District of California
4.3
Glassdoor Rating
120+
Total Staff
75+
Attorneys
5,000+
Annual Caseload
4
Open Positions
About
Largest federal public defender office in the nation. Handles federal criminal cases across Central California.
Strategic Career Intelligence
Specializations
Career Pathways
Experience Value
Largest federal PD office in the nation. Federal practice prestige and low caseloads per attorney allow deep case preparation. Immigration-heavy docket provides unique border defense expertise. Alumni highly sought by national law firms.
Holistic Defense Services
Open Positions(4)
View AllAssistant Federal Public Defender — Trial
Research & Writing Attorney
Mitigation Specialist
Habeas Corpus Attorney
Salary Ranges
| Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | $75,000-$95,000 |
| Mid-Career | $100,000-$135,000 |
| Senior | $140,000-$175,000 |
| Leadership | $180,000-$240,000 |
Budget & Funding Intelligence
Total Budget
$35M
Primary Sources
2025-01-01
Figures cited: $35M estimated annual budget
Budget Trend
= StableFederally funded through the Defender Services Office. Budget is stable and tied to the federal judiciary appropriation.
Quick Info
- County
- Federal
- Region
- Los Angeles
- Case Management
- Defender Services Office
- Caseload/Attorney
- ~67
- Phone
- (213) 894-2854
- Website
- Visit
Union Representation
Non-union workplace
Benefits
- FERS Retirement
- Federal Health, Dental & Vision (FEHB)
- PSLF-Eligible
- Paid CLE
- Federal Leave Benefits
- TSP (Thrift Savings Plan)
Funding Sources
- Federal Defender Services Office
- U.S. Courts Judiciary Appropriation
Find Your Role Here
Take a quick career screener to see how well you match with Federal Public Defender — Central District of California and get personalized role suggestions.
Take Career ScreenerReady to Defend Those Who Need It Most?
Whether you're an attorney looking for your next role, building your defense career, or an office with positions to fill — we're here to connect you.