THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER, Western District of North Carolina is accepting applications for a Mitigation Specialist/Investigator in the Capital Habeas Unit (“CHU”) for the Fourth Circuit. This regional CHU represents indigent prisoners under state and federal sentences of death imposed within the Fourth Circuit’s appellate jurisdiction. We have an active caseload in the United States District Court for South Carolina, the three United States District Courts for North Carolina, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Duties: The Mitigation Specialist/Investigator will assist with the full scope of our work, which includes all stages of federal habeas corpus proceedings, as well as stay litigation, method of execution challenges, and executive clemency. Core duties include: building relationships with clients and their families; reviewing and analyzing voluminous case files and other documents; identifying and initiating new areas of investigation; locating and interviewing witnesses; gathering and assessing documentary and other evidence; drafting memoranda, affidavits, and social history reports; working with experts; serving subpoenas; and assisting with hearings. The Mitigation Specialist/Investigator will work collaboratively with paralegals and under the supervision of an attorney. The Mitigation Specialist/Investigator will occasionally assist with paralegal duties, helping assemble and navigate the case file. We anticipate all members of a case team will contribute to discussions of case strategy. The position requires extensive overnight travel and work outside of business hours, including weekends and holidays.
Requirements: The Mitigation Specialist/Investigator must have experience relevant for the investigation and development of mitigating evidence, preferably in capital trial or post-conviction cases. The ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with clients and client families is fundamental, as is a commitment to indigent defense. Candidates must have experience interviewing witnesses, excellent oral and written communication skills, and an affinity for teamwork. The Mitigation Specialist/Investigator should have familiarity with the diagnostic criteria for mental health disorders and have experience working with persons who suffer from mental illness, intellectual disability, mood disorders, and other disabilities. A post-secondary degree in social work, psychology, or another relevant field is preferred. The investigator must have proficiency with electronic investigative tools and technology, Word and other Windows-based computer applications, and organizational software programs. Familiarity with court systems and the course of federal and state post-conviction litigation is helpful. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and own or operate a personal, insured vehicle for business purposes.
How to Apply. Qualified persons may apply by forwarding a letter of interest, a résumé, and a sample report or memorandum. Send completed application in .pdf format to: [email protected]. No phone calls, please. We will gladly accept a mitigation film or PPT presentation packet on a CD.
This organization provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Please submit any request for accommodation as a .pdf document to [email protected].
Position announced May 31, 2022. Applications received by July 1, 2022, will receive priority consideration. Position open until filled. More than one position might be filled from this announcement.
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