Capital Habeas Attorney

Job Duties

• Represent death-sentenced petitioners from California and other states in their federal habeas corpus proceedings.
• Work on all stages of capital habeas cases, from pre-petition investigation through Supreme Court proceedings and clemency.
• General areas of responsibility include summarizing trial transcripts, drafting habeas corpus petitions, supervising teams of investigators and paralegals, directing investigation, working with experts, conducting evidentiary hearings, drafting briefs, presenting oral arguments, and drafting clemency petitions.
• Represent noncapital habeas petitioners and federal criminal defendants.

Requirements

• Graduated from an accredited law school and a member in good standing of the California Bar or willing to sit for the next California Bar exam if a member in good standing of another Bar.
• Preference will be given to applicants with at least three years of experience in state and/or federal criminal law, complex civil litigation, death penalty litigation, or habeas corpus litigation, or applicants with state or federal judicial clerkship experience.
• Varying hours including nights, weekends, and holidays may be required.
• A background investigation is required as a condition of employment.

Selection Criteria

• Candidates must possess a commitment to the defense of death sentenced individuals.
• Candidates must have superior oral and written communication skills.
• Candidates must work well in teams.

Pay & 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.
• After successful completion of a probationary period, eligible employees may elect to telework up to two days per week, subject to certain conditions.

How to Apply

We will accept applications until September 11, 2026, or until filled. Interviews will occur on a rolling basis and the open position may be filled before that date. Priority will be given to early applicants.

To apply, submit a letter of interest, résumé, two representative writing samples (limited to 15 pages each), and three references.

The Federal Public Defender’s Office may fill current and future positions from this vacancy announcement.

Please, no phone calls.

The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.