Established in 1993, the Indiana Federal Community Defenders Office is a federally funded not for profit organization whose mission is to provide federal public defense services to the Southern District of Indiana. The office is led by Chief Federal Defender, Monica Foster. A nationally renowned death penalty litigator, Monica assumed the Chief position in 2012. To learn more about Monica, click her photo.

Our office houses both a Trial Unit, and a first of its kind Capital § 2255 Unit. Click below to learn about the extraordinary team of professionals working in each unit.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity makes us better advocates. We recognize that it is critical to our objectives of maintaining institutional excellence and ensuring that our clients receive fair process. IFCD is dedicated to serving racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities, contributing to an anti-oppressive workplace environment, and collaboratively contributing to the defense of our clients.

Our work in the area of diversity and inclusion is ongoing. We are committed to evaluating our existing systems and implementing change that supports and advances our mission. With that in mind, we aim to hire, retain, and promote individuals in a manner that fosters a culture of diversity. Members of our organization are welcome to stand proudly in their identities, and we pledge to build and maintain a community of mutual respect, equity, and empowerment.