Lead Attorney (Capital Postconviction)

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Job location
110 SE 6th Street, Suite 701
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
Capital Collateral Regional Counsel - South Office
Street address: 
110 SE 6th Street, Suite 701
City: 
Fort Lauderdale
State: 
Florida
ZIP: 
33301
Job type: 
Legal - Defender
Position Description: 

The CCRC-South office is responsible for investigating, filing and litigating state postconviction motions for indigent death row inmates in the Florida trial courts, carrying forward appeals to the Florida Supreme Court, and preparing, filing and litigating habeas corpus petitions in the federal courts, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.

The position includes both litigation and appellate opportunities as the case moves through the postconviction process. The Lead attorney will work in a government office setting along with other full and part time experienced senior capital litigators and second chair attorneys who have varying capital postconviction experience. Cases are assigned within CCRC-S in a team concept. Each client has a different legal team which includes a Lead attorney, at least one second chair attorney, and an in-house investigator. Attorneys work closely with their team, clients, witnesses and experts to effectively challenge the conviction and sentence. The cases usually originate in South Florida; however conflict case appointments may arise from anywhere in Florida.

Salary and Benefits: Salary is DOE (depending on experience). The position offers full State benefits including, but not limited to: Annual and Sick Leave benefits. 11 Paid holidays (some years include additional days depending how the calendar falls), and one Personal Holiday each year. State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance option. Retirement plan options, including employer contributions. Additional Information can be found at: www.myfrs.com. Flexible Spending Accounts Tuition waivers. For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com

Requirements: 

A qualified candidate must meet the requirements of Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.112(k):
• Minimum membership in any bar for at least five years; and
• At least three years of experience in the field of postconviction litigation; and
• Participation in a combined total of five proceedings, including
o capital trials,
o capital sentencings,
o capital postconviction evidentiary hearings,
o capital collateral postconviction appeals, and
o capital federal habeas proceedings
* At least two of the five required proceedings must be postconviction or federal habeas proceedings.
Current membership in the Florida Bar is preferred, but highly qualified out-of-state attorney candidates who commit to sitting for the Florida Bar examination are encouraged to apply.
NOTE: Frequent travel throughout the State of Florida is a necessary part of this position.

To apply: 

Send a current resume, a writing sample, and at least three references to: Suzanne Keffer, Acting Capital Collateral Regional Counsel-South at [email protected]. No telephone calls please.

Notes: 
CCRC South is a State of Florida agency, and the State of Florida is an equal opportunity employer.
Salary range: 
Starting at $100,000-$125,000, dependent on experience
Submission deadline: 
Friday, June 5, 2026