PDS Overview: The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS) is a federally funded, independent organization governed by an eleven-member Board of Trustees. PDS provides legal representation to individuals who are facing a loss of liberty in criminal, delinquency, and mental health justice matters in the local District of Columbia justice system, but who are financially unable to obtain adequate representation. PDS’s staff consists of approximately 100 attorneys and approximately 100 social workers, investigators, administrative, and technical staff. Most employees work at the main office at 633 3rd Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. District of Columbia residency is not a requirement for employment.
Division Description: The Special Litigation Division of the Public Defender Service is dedicated to addressing recurring and systemic violations of our clients’ rights to fair trials and fair treatment. The Division engages in a wide variety of criminal and civil litigation in local and federal courts. Currently, the Division is focused on several issues, including adult sentences imposed on people who committed crimes when they were adolescents, unconstitutional conditions imposed on pretrial detainees and prisoners, police misconduct, and government failures to disclose exculpatory evidence.
Position Description: SLD attorneys litigate criminal and civil cases in local and federal courts, conduct trainings, work on legislative reform, and act as consultants to attorneys in the other divisions of PDS. The term attorney’s duties will include:
1. litigating post-conviction sentence reduction motions,
2. assisting with other division litigation (habeas and civil),
3. drafting substantive post-conviction pleadings and related pleadings,
4. conducting evidentiary hearings, including witness examinations and oral arguments,
5. conducting extensive legal research in legal and court databases,
6. planning and leading comprehensive factual investigations (client and witness interviews, record gathering, evidence gathering)
7. working with scientific experts and other consultants,
8. reentry planning and assistance,
9. consulting with division members and others regarding division litigation and related matters.
10. maintaining and organizing case files and subject-matter files, and
11. assisting with division project management.
The attorney’s caseload will be primarily resentencing litigation pursuant to the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act and/or compassionate release litigation. The attorney may assist with other post-conviction or criminal system litigation.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time temporary 12-month position. Due to the nature of the position, special litigation attorneys are often required to work nights, weekends, and other non-traditional schedules. Currently, special litigation lawyers are required to work in-office at least three days a week and may work remotely only up to two days a week. Absent unusual circumstances, certain duties must be performed in person, such as oral arguments, moot courts, and visiting detention facilities. For this position, it will be the responsibility of the attorney to ensure that any remote work they perform complies with the ethical and practice requirements of the remote jurisdiction.
Required Experience: J.D. or equivalent degree from an accredited law school; excellent research, writing, and oral persuasion skills. Must be a member of the DC Bar or eligible to become a member by September 30, 2025. Eligibility information is available at D.C. App. R. 46. D.C. Bar membership eligibility should be addressed in your cover letter.
Preferred Experience: Commitment to public defense work. Experience working with people charged or convicted in the criminal legal system. Experience with leading teams/team collaboration. Experience with in-court advocacy. Excellent verbal skills.
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