Spanish Interpreter

The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting 

applications for a full-time certified Spanish interpreter position stationed in Los Angeles, CA. 

The Federal Public Defender’s office is committed to the pursuit of justice by aggressively 

advocating in federal court for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of individuals who 

are charged with federal crimes and cannot afford their own lawyer.

Job Duties: Interpreters provide a full range of duties, including consecutive and simultaneous 

interpretation at all stages of criminal defense for clients, attorneys, and witnesses, as well as 

sight translation of documents ranging from simple letters to complex foreign legal court 

documents; preparation of translations and summaries of case related documents, including complex 

court documents, medical and psychological records, and reports; transcription and translation of 

video and audio recordings, and review and correct transcripts prepared by other interpreters; and 

may require visits to locations where clients are detained, or locations where witnesses live 

and/or work.

Requirements: All applicants must have graduated from an accredited school with a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of interpreter experience. Extensive relevant experience may substitute a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must be certified by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. A background investigation is required as a condition of employment.

Applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents seeking citizenship as described 

here: https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirements-employment- 

judiciary.

Selection Criteria: Successful applicants must have excellent oral and written communication and 

interpersonal skills; must be able to develop a rapport with people of different backgrounds; have 

strong organizational and analytical skills; be able to work independently and take initiative; and 

work well in teams. Excellent interpreting skills are required.

Salary/Benefits: This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications 

and experience and is subject to direct deposit. Benefits include health and life insurance, 

retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan. For more information on benefits, see 

http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.

How to Apply: Apply by emailing a letter of interest, résumé, copy of Federal Interpreter 

Certificate, and three references in a single PDF document to Hilary Potashner, Federal Public 

Defender, at employment@fpdcdca.org with the subject line: SPANISH LANGUAGE INTERPRETER APPLICATION. We will accept applications on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. The Federal Public Defender’s Office may fill current and future positions from this vacancy announcement. Please, no phone calls.