Capital Habeas Attorney

About the role

The Federal Public Defender's Office for the Central District of California is accepting applications for full-time attorney positions in its Capital Habeas Unit (CHU), stationed in Los Angeles or Santa Ana, California. The CHU advocates for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of indigent persons sentenced to death. We provide the highest quality representation in post-conviction proceedings through diversity of experience, collaborative and thorough case development, focused litigation strategies, and skilled courtroom advocacy.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Summarize trial transcripts
• Draft habeas corpus petitions
• Supervise teams of investigators and paralegals
• Direct investigation
• Work with experts
• Conduct evidentiary hearings
• Draft briefs
• Present oral arguments
• Draft clemency petitions
• Represent noncapital habeas petitioners and federal criminal defendants

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited law school
• Member in good standing of the California Bar or willingness to sit for the next California Bar exam (if a member in good standing of another Bar)
• Preference for 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
• Ability to work varying hours including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Background investigation required as a condition of employment
• United States citizens or permanent residents seeking citizenship (per federal appropriations law)

Qualifications

• Commitment to the defense of death-sentenced individuals
• Superior oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work well in teams

Benefits

• Health and life insurance
• Retirement
• Thrift Savings Plan
• Eligibility to telework up to two days per week after successful completion of a probationary period (subject to certain conditions)

Pay

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to direct deposit. This is a full-time, at-will position.

Schedule

Varying hours including nights, weekends, and holidays may be required. After successful completion of a probationary period, eligible employees may elect to telework up to two days per week, subject to certain conditions.

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