Research and Writing Attorney - Capital Habeas Unit

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Organization information
Organization name: 
Federal Public Defender's Office
City: 
Tallahassee
State: 
Florida
Job type: 
Legal - Defender
Position Description: 

CHU Values: We value serving our clients through skilled collaboration, compassionate advocacy, and creativity. We value having a staff that reflects the community we are serving and encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply. We value working with resiliency, initiative, and enthusiasm.

CHU Attorneys provide advanced legal research, writing, and case development advocacy. The duties of our attorneys include analyzing the latest developments in habeas corpus and criminal law and applying this knowledge to develop case strategies; drafting petitions, motions, memoranda of law, and appellate briefs; analyzing transcripts and other records; maintaining client contact; assisting with case investigation by digesting records and interviewing witnesses; and working with expert witnesses.

Requirements: 

Applicants must possess excellent legal research and writing skills and a strong work ethic. While preference will be given to applicants with a minimum of three years of experience in one of the following areas: capital litigation, federal habeas corpus litigation, state postconviction proceedings, appellate practice and procedure, criminal defense, or complex federal civil or criminal litigation, our office will consider applications from 2023 graduating 3Ls who plan to take a bar exam in July 2023. A background in mental health and/or social work is also helpful but not required. Bar admission and good standing in a state bar, including the District of Columbia, are required.

Maturity, good judgment, and the ability to treat others with respect in times of high stress are necessary for this position. Empathy and dedication to the cause of our clients are essential traits.

The willingness to engage in overnight travel and work long and non-traditional hours is required, as is a valid driver’s license.

To apply: 

To apply for a Research & Writing Specialist position, applicants should email a cover letter, resume, two writing samples, and three references (in .pdf format) to [email protected]. The position will remain open until filled, but early applications are strongly encouraged. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Employment is conditioned upon a favorable background check. Salary will be based on experience, consistent with federal rules and regulations.

Questions: If you have any questions, please feel free to email Christine Yoon , CHU Staff Attorney ([email protected]); or John Abatecola, CHU Staff Attorney ([email protected]).

The position is subject to approval of funding. Multiple positions may be hired from this posting.

Notes: 
The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Florida is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals from minority groups are encouraged to apply. To be eligible for hiring, an applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or a lawful permanent resident, who is eligible to work in the U.S. and is either currently seeking U.S. Citizenship or intends to become a U.S. Citizen when eligible, or must otherwise meet the citizenship requirements for employment. See https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/ search-judiciary-jobs /citizenship-requirements-employment-judiciary. The Office of the Federal Public Defender provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and interviewing process, please notify the local human resources representative. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be made on a case by case basis.

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