Trial Attorney (Federal Capital Case - Remote)

About the role

The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania is accepting applications for trial counsel in a federal capital case. This position is fully remote, and candidates may reside anywhere in the United States. It is open to full-time or part-time work. This is a term appointment expected to last for the duration of the case.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a relationship of trust with the client
• Digest voluminous discovery, including forensic evidence such as DNA, fingerprint, digital and cell‑site, and medical examiner findings
• Develop guilt‑phase and penalty‑phase strategy
• Supervise the fact and mitigation investigation
• Research and draft pretrial, evidentiary, and constitutional motions, including challenges to the reliability and admissibility of the government’s forensic evidence under Rule 702
• Retain and work with defense forensic, mental health, and other experts
• Litigate evidentiary hearings
• Conduct capital voir dire
• Try both phases of the case to a jury if required

Requirements

• Representation must meet the standards of the ABA Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Defense Counsel in Death Penalty Cases
• A strong preference will be given to candidates with prior federal capital trial experience
• Excellent research and writing skills are required

Skills

• Expertise in forensic science litigation
• Expertise in mental health and intellectual disability litigation
• Expertise in capital jury selection

Schedule

Open to full‑time or part‑time work.