Capital Habeas Legal Assistant

Overview

The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting applications for a full-time legal assistant position in its Capital Habeas Unit (CHU) stationed in Los Angeles, California. The CHU advocates for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of indigent persons sentenced to death. We provide the highest quality representation in post-conviction proceedings through diversity of experience, collaborative and thorough case development, focused litigation strategies, and skilled courtroom advocacy.

• Provide a full range of executive-level secretarial and clerical support services to attorneys on trial, appellate, and habeas cases.
• File court documents electronically and manually; prepare and edit draft pleadings, reports, and correspondence.
• Maintain attorneys’ calendars; accurately maintain up-to-date case files and facility clearances; compose correspondence; screen public and client telephone calls; process mail as needed.
• Assist three to four attorneys and provide overflow coverage when required.

• Graduated from an accredited school with a bachelor’s degree, or at least one year of specialized experience performing progressively responsible duties as a legal assistant. Extensive relevant experience may substitute a bachelor’s degree.
• Demonstrate a high level of computer literacy, including expertise with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience with legal practice-related programs such as evidence review platforms, document management systems, and document indexing tools is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of legal secretarial principles, practices, methods, and techniques; understanding of state, district, and circuit court rules, protocols, policies, and precedents; knowledge of legal terminology and Blue Book citation format.
• Ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish is preferred, but not required.
• Availability to work during regular business hours, and when necessary, during evenings, weekends, and holidays. This is an in-office position; telework is not available.

• A background investigation is required as a condition of employment.
• Citizenship status: current appropriations law requires applicants to be United States citizens or permanent residents seeking citizenship as described here: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-judiciary

Successful applicants demonstrate an interest in social justice, civil rights, or indigent defense; must have excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; have strong organizational, analytical, and technical skills; be able to organize work and set priorities to meet critical deadlines; capable of learning new technological tools; able to work independently and take initiative; and work well in teams.

This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to direct deposit. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan. For more information on benefits, see https://.

Apply by submitting a letter of interest, résumé, and three references. We will accept applications until March 22, 2026, or until filled. Interviews will occur on a rolling basis and the open position may be filled before that date. Priority will be given to early applicants. The Federal Public Defender’s Office may fill current and future positions from this vacancy announcement.

Please, no phone calls.

The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.