Term Investigator (Chapter 154 / Opt-In Special Litigation) Capital Habeas Unit (CHU)- Telework

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Job location
164 Rosa L. Parks Blvd
Nashville, TN 37203
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
Federal Public Defender Middle District of Tennessee
Street address: 
164 Rosa L. Parks Blvd
City: 
Nashville
State: 
Tennessee
ZIP: 
37203
Job type: 
Legal - Defender
Position Description: 

The successful candidate will serve as Opt-In Lead Investigator, focusing on critical factual inquiries concerning the applicability and operation of Chapter 154. Under 28 U.S.C. § 2261, federal courts must evaluate whether the state mechanism provided competent counsel, attorney compensation, and litigation resources in individual cases. This position involves re-examining historical state post-conviction records; locating and interviewing state post-conviction counsel, court personnel, and other witnesses; and developing evidentiary records regarding state-level deficiencies.

Requirements: 

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, journalism, or a related field is preferred. Candidates must have significant specialized experience conducting defense or post-conviction investigations, preferably in capital or complex criminal litigation.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
• Strong ability to review, analyze, and organize voluminous historical court records, agency files, trial transcripts, and
other case materials.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, detailed investigative reports,
witness declarations, and other written investigative materials.
• Knowledge of investigative principles, trauma-informed interviewing techniques, and mitigation/social history
collection.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to build trust with clients, family members, witnesses, and
legal professionals across diverse backgrounds.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance (mileage is reimbursable). Significant travel,
including overnight travel, weekend work, and visits to correctional facilities, is required.

To apply: 

To apply for this specialized term position, please email a letter of interest, resume, three professional references, and a representative writing sample (e.g., investigative report or summary) in a single combined PDF document with the subject line “Term Investigator - Opt-In CHU to Federal Public Defender Dumaka Shabazz at [email protected].
Incomplete applications will not be considered. The position is open until filled. No phone calls, please. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.

Notes: 
The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Middle District of Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.
Salary range: 
(JSP 11–14) with a range of approximately $76,000 – $130,000