Website Federal Public Defender, Northern District of Florida
The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Florida is accepting applications for multiple Research & Writing Specialist positions in the Capital Habeas Unit, located in Tallahassee, Florida. The CHU represents indigent, death-sentenced prisoners in federal habeas corpus proceedings.
CHU Attorneys provide advanced legal research, writing, and case development advocacy. Attorneys typically work on large teams within the CHU as well as collaborate with lawyers and investigators in the Capital Collateral Regional Counsel, CHUs in other districts, and non-profit organizations engaged in capital litigation in Florida. The duties of our attorneys include analyzing the latest developments in habeas corpus and criminal law and applying this knowledge to 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. Attorneys are also involved in special projects that may include mentoring student interns; monitoring national trends on topics such as lethal injection; and tracking cases proceeding before the United States Supreme Court. CHU attorneys also collaborate with the Trial Unit in some noncapital cases.
Applicants must be a United States citizen or eligible to work in the United States. Applicants must possess excellent legal research and writing skills and a strong work ethic. Bar admission and good standing in a state bar, including the District of Columbia, are required. Additionally, membership in, or eligibility to be admitted to, the FLND Bar is required. The willingness to engage in overnight travel and work long and non-traditional hours is required, as is a valid driver’s license. We will consider applications from current 3Ls and recent graduates who have passed a Bar examination. Preference will be given to applicants with 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. A background in mental health and/or social work is also helpful but not 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.
Positions are subject to approval of funding. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. This position comes with federal employee benefits, including health and life insurance and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension, Social Security, and a Thrift Savings Plan. We observe Federal holidays and provide generous annual and personal leave. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit).
To apply for a Research & Writing Specialist position, applicants should email a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references in .pdf format to FLN_Resumes@fd.org, and a copy to john_abatecola@fd.org. Please address the cover letter to Linda McDermott, CHU Chief. The email subject should be as follows: CHU Research & Writing Specialist Application.
To apply for this job email your details to FLN_Resumes@fd.org