The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Federal Public Defender in its Capital Habeas Unit (CHU). The CHU represents death-sentenced prisoners in federal habeas corpus proceedings in the United States District Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. This is a full-time position located in Pittsburgh. Once hired, the applicant will have the option to work from home two days per week at the discretion of the Defender.
The responsibilities of an Assistant Federal Public Defender in the CHU include:
● Working collaboratively with a team of other lawyers, investigators, and paralegals;
● Serving as a team leader or co-counsel on cases in various stages of litigation;
● Building long-term rapport with clients, including clients with severe mental illnesses and intellectual and developmental disabilities;
● Directing fact and mitigation investigation;
● Identifying and developing legal claims;
● Bringing a creative and committed approach to research and writing in order to address the historical significance of capital punishment and its ongoing relationship to race and slavery;
● Advocating in court hearings and oral arguments; and
● Helping develop creative narratives and video productions for state clemency.
The successful applicant must be team-oriented and possess a strong writing ability, a demonstrated commitment to poverty law or indigent criminal defense, and litigation experience in at least one of the following areas: criminal defense, especially in capital cases; habeas corpus litigation; and complex federal court civil litigation. Capital post-conviction experience is preferred. A background in any area of mental health and/or social work is also helpful. This position requires travel.
The successful applicant must also be a graduate from an accredited law school and a member in good standing of a state bar and have an established capacity or clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and a reputation for personal and professional integrity. Applicants must also possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, staff, court and agency personnel as part of their employment. The ability to manage a substantial caseload, travel and work flexible hours are essential for the position, as are effective organizational skills and the ability to work in a team environment. Applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Federal Public Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law. The successful candidate will be subject to a general background check and IRS tax check procedure as a condition of employment.
Qualified persons should submit a letter of interest, a current and detailed resume and a writing sample in one Adobe Acrobat document by email to: [email protected], using the subject line "2023-01-R."
This is a full-time position. Salary is based on federal pay schedules (AD Pay Plan) and is commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, supplemental dental/vision benefits, long-term care, and life insurance, as well as 11 paid federal holidays, 13 days of paid sick leave, and 13 days of paid vacation leave annually. (The rate of paid vacation leave increases to 20 days after three years and 26 days after 15 years.) FPD staff can opt to participate in a pre-tax Health, Dependent Care, and Commuter Reimbursement programs. The position is covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which matches up to 5% of employee contributions, up to a cap. Salary is paid every other week and is subject to mandatory direct deposit.