Assistant Federal Public Defender - Capital Habeas Unit

Overview

Assistant Federal Public Defender - Capital Habeas Unit. Position Announcement 26-002. The Federal Public Defender for the Southern District of Ohio is accepting applications for the position of AFPD in our Capital Habeas Unit, to be stationed in our Columbus office. 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. Our mission is to provide our clients with legal services of the highest quality. We zealously and ethically represent the human worth, dignity, and interest of our clients with courage, devotion, and uncompromised advocacy and professionalism.

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.

This position requires some overnight out-of-state travel. It also requires local travel. Our cases are subject to strict deadlines set by the court; thus, some evening and weekend work is required.

We hold ourselves to exceptionally high standards and expect the same of every member of our team. Employees are expected to demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism, compassion, clear communication, client-centered judgment, and collaborative teamwork. We value continuous learning and expect employees to actively seek improvement in their skills and knowledge. Team members must be willing to acknowledge mistakes and areas for growth and take personal responsibility for developing proficiency in all skill areas relevant to capital habeas defense.

Employees are required to demonstrate good judgement and always maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.