Texas Defender Service (TDS) is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the Texas criminal justice system by reducing unfair use of the death penalty and by implementing an effective indigent defense system. TDS is seeking a senior staff attorney to work in its Capital Trial Project, which tracks all death-eligible cases in Texas, monitors appointment of counsel, and trains, advises, and provides resources to defense teams for death-eligible defendants. In the coming months, this Project plans to expand its operations to include direct representation of Texas criminal defendants, who face the possibility of a death sentence.
TDS seeks a full-time Senior Staff Attorney with sound judgment, death penalty trial experience, and a demonstrated commitment to indigent defense. He or she will report to the Capital Trial Project Director, split his or her time between trial consulting and direct representation in pending capital murder trials, and work from our Austin office.
The ideal candidate: has excellent legal research and writing skills; is skilled in oral advocacy; can lead in a team-based environment; is highly organized; and works effectively under pressure. Knowledge of the latest developments in criminal law and experience training other attorneys also is desired. Given the nature of the work, the successful candidate should expect to work some evenings, weekends and holidays. Travel throughout Texas is required. All applicants must be eligible for licensure to practice law in Texas. Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
Interested candidates should electronically submit cover letter, resume, three references and a writing sample no later than April 20, 2018 to Amanda Marzullo ([email protected]) and William Boggs ([email protected]).