ASSISTANT FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER – CAPITAL HABEAS UNIT
Position Announcement 24-012
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Federal Public Defender for the Southern District of Ohio is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Federal Public Defender in our Capital Habeas Unit.
Our Capital Habeas Unit represents clients in federal habeas proceedings who have been convicted and sentenced to death. We represent clients starting with their federal habeas petition through every subsequent stage in the proceedings. This includes appeals, clemency, and necessary additional state court litigation.
Assistant Federal Public Defenders (AFPDs) are responsible for both big picture and day-to-day aspects of litigation; determining strategy; maintaining and leading the case team; and ensuring the client is receiving representation in accordance with the rules of professional conduct and prevailing norms of practice. Day to day duties include, but are not limited to, reviewing all case documents, conducting legal research, writing briefs, motions, and pleadings, retaining experts, conducting hearings and arguments, building relationships, and managing case teams. This position requires the ability to work as a team with investigators, paralegals, and other attorneys. Travel is required to visit clients, for court proceedings, and for investigations. There are times when night and weekend work is required.
ABOUT US
The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Southern District of Ohio provides the highest quality legal representation in criminal cases to persons who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. Through our Trial and Appellate Units, we represent people who have been accused of federal criminal offenses from the onset of their case, through the trial and appellate phases. Through our Capital Habeas Unit, we represent people sentenced to death in Ohio and around the country, through federal habeas and all subsequent proceedings.
We utilize teams with interdisciplinary skill sets that ensure compassionate and comprehensive representation. We are attorneys, paralegals, investigators, office administrators, and information technology specialists who prioritize centering our representation around our clients and their needs.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Our office values diversity, is committed to equity and inclusion, and works to foster a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, openness, and humility that honors the people we represent. We believe representation is better when members of the defense team have diverse backgrounds and experiences. We seek team members who share that belief and commitment. We embrace the unique contributions our employees can bring to the office because of their backgrounds, social identities, and lived experiences. We are interested in applicants’ talent, intelligence, dedication, and persistence, and desire to see that all people are treated fairly and respectfully – no matter the allegation or circumstance. The FPD seeks applications from a diverse group of qualified individuals in terms of race, ethnicity, nation of origin, culture, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual identity, education, opinions, age, languages spoken, veteran status, disability, religion, and socioeconomic circumstance. We especially encourage applications from members of the BIPOC community, people who have been affected by the criminal legal system, and people from other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary of the successful applicant will be commensurate with the person’s qualifications and years of experience. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). The position offers federal employment benefits, including paid vacation, paid sick time, paid holidays, health insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401k). Part time teleworking is available, consistent with office policy, court obligations, and position duties. Assistant Federal Public Defenders may not engage in the private practice of law.
The most important qualification for any position in our office is a strong passion for helping those in need and the willingness and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment dedicated to that goal.
A successful candidate will have strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills. They will be motivated, creative, resourceful, and able to work with different types of people and personalities with tact, professionalism, and compassion. Fluency in a foreign language and/or experience with different cultures is a strong plus.
The ideal candidate will have experience in capital cases, habeas and/or post-conviction work. A strong candidate would have experience working in criminal defense or related fields. If you do not have criminal defense experience, please explain why you are now interested in working in criminal defense.
Applicants must be a graduate from an accredited law school and a member in good standing of a state bar and immediately eligible for District Court/Circuit bar admission.
Applicants for this particular position should have the following:
• A demonstrated commitment to providing high quality representation to indigent defendants.
• Comfort working with clients and their families in both prison and community settings.
• The ability to analyze legal issues from lengthy, complex records.
• The ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Strong computer research, word processing, and fact/document management skills.
• The ability to prioritize projects and work both independently and cooperatively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build, motivate, and lead a team.
• Possess tact and good judgment, and always maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Be a self-starter, mature, highly organized, poised, and demonstrate initiative, with ability to work in a high-demand, high-volume law office.
• A demonstrated work history of dependability and responsibility.
• A valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle, as local travel will be necessary.
Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, one writing sample, not to exceed 10 pages, and three professional references, in PDF format, to [email protected]. Please combine the application into a single PDF. The cover letter must explain why you are interested in representing people on death row and how your professional and/or life experiences qualify you to succeed in this position. In your application, please feel free to note which pronouns you use. Applications for this position will be accepted until Friday, October 11, 2024.
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