California Appellate Project (CAP) seeks to fill an attorney job opening on our Appellate Team. This person will fill one of the following roles: Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney. CAP is a nonprofit legal resource center funded by the Judicial Council of California to implement the constitutional right to counsel for indigent death row inmates challenging their convictions and sentences on direct appeal and through habeas corpus proceedings.
CAP Staff Attorneys work with appointed counsel in setting and meeting target dates; reviewing draft pleadings; providing appointed counsel with helpful feedback and editing assistance; and ensuring that work projects are completed in a timely and competent manner; and must demonstrate skill and diplomacy in assisting appointed counsel in providing high quality representation.
Our Senior Staff Attorneys are expected to initiate efforts to compile and disseminate information and resource materials for use by CAP staff and appointed counsel. They also make presentations at training programs; participate in appellate court or bar association meetings or other efforts relating to death penalty representation; and serve as a liaison with members of the criminal defense bar or other legal organizations.
Senior Staff Attorneys are expected to show a high level of leadership capability and expertise in working collaboratively at all levels of the organization. Senior Staff Attorneys are responsible for initiating and shaping solutions to legal or administrative problems in the office, In addition, they collaborate with other team members to formulate CAP policy regarding death penalty litigation.
1. Admission to the California Bar.
2. Capital litigation experience – minimum of 5 years, preferably in California. Senior Staff Attorneys must have a minimum of 10 years’ experience practicing law.
3. Substantial experience in capital trial, appellate, and/or habeas corpus representation.
4. Superior legal analysis and writing skills.
5. Demonstrated, sophisticated knowledge of California death penalty law and procedure, and commitment to vigorous advocacy on behalf of indigent defendants.
6. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple litigation tasks in the face of time constraints.
7. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to maintain effective relationships with attorneys and staff.
8. Demonstrated ability to accomplish work objectives while maintaining constructive relationships with attorneys and other legal staff.
9. Proven organizational skills, including planning, negotiating, effective problem‐ solving, and conflict resolution.
Send us a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references. Also, please indicate if you are applying for the position of Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney. Please address all correspondence to the Attorney Selection Committee at: [email protected]