The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting applications for a full-time paralegal position in its Capital Habeas Unit (CHU) stationed in Los Angeles, CA. The CHU advocates for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of indigent persons sentenced to death. We provide the highest quality representation in post-conviction proceedings through diversity of experience, collaborative and thorough case development, focused litigation strategies, and skilled courtroom advocacy.
Job Duties: CHU paralegals provide a full range of paralegal assistance to CHU attorneys on death penalty and non-death penalty habeas cases. General areas of responsibility include: managing high volume cases by organizing case files using various databases; identifying important documents and assisting in developing factual support for claims; cite checking; summarizing legal research and procedural history of cases; assisting attorneys with materials for experts; drafting and editing expert declarations; preparing, organizing, and tracking discovery requests; assisting with depositions and hearings; preparing documents for filing and service; and traveling to various courts and law enforcement agencies to scan, copy and reproduce records and exhibits.
Database and Software Responsibilities and Skills Required:
Database and software responsibilities include using database programs (e.g., Eclipse, CaseMap, Summation, Relativity) to manage and review electronically stored information (ESI); editing and ingesting load files, tagging, and exporting content; presenting digital evidence in the courtroom using Trial Director; and editing/converting audio and video files.
Selection Criteria: Candidates must possess a commitment to the defense of individuals convicted of a crime and sentenced to death; have excellent oral and written communication skills; have strong legal research and writing skills; have strong organizational and analytical skills; be able to work independently, be flexible, and take initiative; and work well in teams.
Salary/Benefits: This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to direct deposit. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan. For more information on benefits, see http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California 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.
Requirements: Applicants must have an ABA certified paralegal certificate and three (3) or more years of paralegal experience in complex civil or criminal litigation under the direct supervision of attorneys. Proficiency with Office 365 applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, OneDrive), Adobe Acrobat, and dtSearch. Experience with online research databases (i.e., Westlaw, LexisNexis) and legal document management databases (i.e., Summation, CaseMap or similar databases). Solid understanding of California civil litigation (state and federal rules). Ability to lift and move boxes and willing to travel to various locations to complete required tasks. A background investigation is required as a condition of employment. In line with current appropriations law, applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents seeking citizenship as described here: https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requi....
Apply by emailing a letter of interest, résumé, a representative writing sample, and three references in a single PDF document addressed to Cuauhtemoc Ortega, Federal Public Defender, at [email protected] with the subject line: CAPITAL HABEAS PARALEGAL APPLICATION. All application materials must be received by September 10, 2021. The Federal Public Defender’s Office may fill current and future positions from this vacancy announcement. Please, no phone calls.