The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh Division) is seeking an Investigator/Mitigation Specialist for its Capital Habeas Unit (CHU), subject to the availability of funds. The CHU represents death-sentenced prisoners in federal habeas corpus proceedings in the United States District Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. This is a full-time position located in Pittsburgh.
The CHU Investigator /Mitigation Specialist plays an integral role in the development and work-up of both guilt phase and penalty phase issues, including the development of mitigation evidence. The CHU Investigator/Mitigation Specialist meets regularly with clients; locates and interviews witnesses with relevant information about the crime and the client’s family, background, and mental health; locates and retrieves documents and other evidence; reviews and analyzes records and transcripts as part of the investigative work-up; serves subpoenas; drafts social history memos; and assists with the preparation and presentation of evidence and witnesses at evidentiary hearings.
Experience with the investigation and development of defense factual or mitigation presentations in capital trials, post-conviction cases, or federal sentencing presentations, as well as experience with mental health or social work issues, is strongly preferred, but not required. Other desired qualifications include post-secondary education in relevant fields, knowledge of federal and state court systems, and familiarity with federal habeas corpus or post-conviction litigation and/or complex federal civil or criminal litigation. Candidates must possess excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work well in a team-based approach. Candidates must possess skill using electronic investigative tools and technology. Fluency (oral and written) in the Spanish language is helpful but not required.
Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and insurance and own/operate a personal vehicle that is available for business purposes. The position requires occasional lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds and extended periods driving or riding in a car. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the United States.
Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position. Salary is based on federal pay schedules and is commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, supplemental dental/vision benefits, and life insurance, as well as 11 paid federal holidays, 13 days of paid sick leave, and 13 days of paid vacation leave annually. (The rate of paid vacation leave increases to 20 days after three years and 26 days after 15 years.) Federal Public Defender staff can opt to participate in pre-tax health, dependent care, and commuter reimbursement programs. The position is covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS-FRAE), including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which matches up to 5% of employee contributions, up to a cap. Salary is paid every other week and is subject to mandatory direct deposit.
Qualified persons should submit a letter of interest and a current and detailed resume in one Adobe Acrobat document to Elisa Long, Federal Public Defender, via email to: [email protected], using the subject line "2025-1."
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