The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania provides vigorous and high quality legal representation to individuals financially unable to employ counsel in federal criminal cases and related matters in the federal courts. We handle a wide range of cases, including felony trials and appeals, as well as non-capital and capital habeas matters. We employ a dynamic team-based approach to representation, which includes attorney, investigative, expert, paralegal, and other services, depending on the needs of the client and the demands of their case.

Our commitment to our individual clients is at the center of everything we do. That commitment requires that we zealously advocate to protect our clients’ constitutional rights and pursue their interests, while also respecting and promoting their human dignity.

In addition to serving our clients, our office provides support and training to the district’s Criminal Justice Act (“CJA”) Panel, a group of qualified private attorneys approved by the district court to receive appointments in federal criminal cases. We seek to promote excellence in the federal criminal defense bar more broadly by providing litigation support and education on issues in the ever-evolving federal legal landscape.