Assistant Federal Public Defender- Capital Habeas

Position Announcement: Assistant Federal Public Defender- Capital Habeas

Capital Habeas Unit (Kansas City, MO; full-time telework option available)

Deadline: TBD; position subject to available funding

Make a Meaningful Difference in the Heart of Missouri

About Us

We represent clients on death row in the final stages of litigation, including requests for clemency. We enjoy unconditional commitment to a client focused approach. We strive to show our clients respect, compassion, and dignity. Sometimes we are a client’s primary contact with the outside world, and sometimes we are part of a larger support system. Our clients often suffer from mental health conditions that challenge them, and us. We embrace those challenges. Each client is represented by a team comprised of at least two attorneys, at least one investigator, and at least one paralegal. We work closely with each other and foster a team approach which requires mutual respect for every member of the team, regardless of their role. All teams are supported by a well-established internal office wellness initiative.

Why Kansas City, Missouri?

Kansas City sits on Missouri's western edge, straddling the border with Kansas. It's known for its barbecue, jazz heritage, and fountains. Downtown, the American Jazz Museum shares a building with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, with giant shuttlecocks out front, houses nearly 40,000 works of art, from ancient to contemporary collections.

The Job:

Our CHU represents death-sentenced prisoners in their federal habeas corpus proceedings in Missouri and multiple other states. We represent clients in all stages of their federal court litigation, including clemency. Writing, research and organizational skills are imperative.

Regular responsibilities include:

working with clients; digesting large case files and investigative materials; developing litigation strategies; drafting pleadings; conducting evidentiary hearings; presenting oral arguments; working with experts and other witnesses; supervising teams of investigators, paralegals, assistant paralegals, and case experts.

This position may require work on holidays, evenings, and weekends. Frequent travel within Missouri as well as to other states may be required.

Requirements:

• All applicants must be a member in good standing of a state bar within the United States.

• It is preferable, although not required, that applicants have a minimum of five years’ experience in habeas corpus litigation or equivalent criminal law experience at the appellate or post-conviction level.

• The preferred candidate will have an established capacity or clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in capital defense.

• Applicants must have strong written and oral advocacy skills, work well in teams, and be effective organizers.

• Applicants will be expected to possess excellent on-line research skills in either Lexis or Westlaw and have solid MS Word skills.

• Our ideal candidate will have an established commitment to indigent criminal defense and zealous advocacy.

The Federal Defender strives for staff diversity, encouraging women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

Salary and Benefits:

The Office of the Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide legal representation in federal criminal cases and related matters in the federal courts. This is a full-time permanent position. Salary depends upon the number of years legal experience since graduating law school and ranges match those of Assistant U.S. Attorneys with similar years’ experience. Federal government benefits apply, including retirement; health, life and long-term insurances; a thrift savings program; and flexible spending accounts.

Federal Defender employees are considered “at-will” and are not covered by the Civil Service Reform Act.

Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident in the process of applying for citizenship. https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirements-employment

All final candidates are subject to FBI fingerprints and background investigation, including criminal history. The individual hired to perform the duties for this position may be subject to further background investigations when necessary.

Employees are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and Code of Conduct for Federal Public Defender Employees.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references in a single PDF to: MOW_jobs1@fd.org. Early applications are encouraged. No phone calls, please.

Pay: $78,000.00 - $197,100.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Kansas City, MO 64106