The Kansas Federal Public Defender is accepting applications for a paralegal or assistant paralegal in the Topeka Office. The Kansas FPD provides legal representation to indigent clients in federal criminal cases and related matters. The FPD values hard work, diversity, teamwork, creativity, flexibility, and fairness.
The Job: We are looking for a paralegal to support our office during all stages of federal criminal litigation. Paralegals prepare and proofread correspondence and other documents; file motions and pleadings in CM/ECF; gather, organize, review, and summarize voluminous records and discovery; maintain multiple calendars and case-tracking spreadsheets; schedule client visits and other appointments; prepare and organize evidence and exhibits for pleadings, hearings, and trials; assist attorneys during trials and hearings using litigation software; monitor and track court deadlines and filing requirements; communicate with clients and their families regarding case status and logistics; and perform other duties as required. Spanish Fluency is a plus. Residency requirements can be found here
Requirements. The successful applicant must:
• Have a bachelor’s degree or paralegal certificate
• Be committed to indigent defense and client confidentiality
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and be comfortable working with a diverse set of clients and
their families
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Work well independently and collaboratively
• Have strong time-management skills and the ability to balance competing deadlines and
evolving priorities
• Be technologically proficient and have experience working with Microsoft Office Suite and
Adobe Acrobat
• Be highly motivated, organized, and detail-oriented
• Be flexible and willing to assist attorneys and clients in crisis situations
https://ks.fd.org/sites/ks/files/jobs/2026-06%20TOP%20Paralegal%20EXTENDED_0.pdf
At the Kansas Federal Public Defender's Office, we work to keep people out of prison through holistic representation, collaboration, and education. Our clients are people accused of federal crimes who cannot afford private lawyers. We protect their rights and center their humanity at every stage of the criminal case and beyond. We value hard work, diversity, teamwork, creativity, flexibility, and fairness.
Everyone in our office, regardless of title, is a public defender. We came to this work from a wide range of backgrounds, education, and experience. We stay in this work because we are passionate about fighting injustice and helping our clients.