Assistant Federal Defender, Capital Habeas Unit Job

Responsibilities: The Office of the Federal Defender for the Eastern District of California is now accepting applications for two positions for Assistant Federal Defender for its Capital Habeas Unit. The Capital Habeas Unit represents California death row inmates in habeas corpus proceedings at the federal level. Responsibilities include managing an extensive caseload with cases at varying stages of litigation; preparing pleadings, briefs, and motions; conducting evidentiary hearings; reviewing various factual and legal documents; developing litigation strategies; meeting with experts, witnesses, family members, and other relevant parties; and supervising a litigation team of investigators, paralegals, and secretaries.

Qualification: All applicants must either be admitted to the California bar or be a member in good standing of another state's bar and be willing to take the California bar examination. Applicants must have strong writing and advocacy skills, a commitment to the representation of indigent capital defendants, the ability to work in a team environment, and must possess effective organization skills and the ability to set priorities.

This position may require working holidays, evening, and weekend hours and may require substantial travel.

At least four years of attorney experience required. Capital trial or post-conviction experience preferred. This is a full-time position with federal salary and benefits based on qualifications and experience. This position is subject to mandatory Electronic Transfer (direct deposit) participation for payment of net pay.