Death Penalty

FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEFENDER OFFICE FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA

CAPITAL HABEAS UNIT
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENTS


The Federal Community Defender Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has been authorized to advertise and interview for office support staff positions. A brief job description for each position is attached. Salary will be based upon experience consistent with federal guidelines and regulations.

Please note that these positions will be filled once funding has been approved.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume by July 25, 2008 to Maureen Kearney Rowley, Chief Federal Defender, Federal Community Defender Office, The Curtis Center, Independence Square West, 601 Walnut Street, Suite 540W, Philadelphia, PA 19106.


Investigator/Mitigation Specialist (2 positions)

Applicants must possess substantial investigative and mitigation experience, including the investigation and development of defense mitigation presentations in capital trials or post-conviction cases. Those without mitigation experience will be considered if the applicant possesses experience with mental health or social work issues, or with the preparation of trial in complex matters within the federal courts. Must possess a demonstrated commitment to social justice and/or indigent defense. Education above the high school level in accredited institutions may be substituted for a portion of applicants’ general and/or specialized experience. The position also requires knowledge of federal and state court systems and familiarity with federal habeas corpus or other 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 with others in a team-based approach. Must possess a valid driver’s license, insurance and own/operate personal vehicle for business purposes. Job responsibilities may require the ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Fluency (oral and written) in Spanish is preferred, but not required. Ability to engage in extensive travel throughout the country is required.

Paralegal Specialist (2 positions)


Applicants must possess capital and/or federal habeas experience or paralegal experience in other complex areas of the law and a demonstrated commitment to social justice and/or indigent defense. Experience in the areas of social work and/or mental health are helpful. Education above the high school level in accredited institutions may be substituted for a portion of applicants’ general and/or specialized experience. Candidates must possess strong analytical abilities and be able to understand and manage complex factual and legal issues; strong interpersonal skills; and strong oral and written communication skills. Computer literacy, including knowledge of Word Perfect 12 for Windows, is required. Experience with computer-assisted research is helpful. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Job responsibilities may require the ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Fluency (oral and written) in the Spanish language is helpful but not required. Ability to engage in extensive travel throughout the country is required.

Legal Secretary (1 position)

Applicants must possess a minimum of four years legal secretary experience, preferably in criminal, appellate and/or federal practice, and good communication (both oral and written) and interpersonal skills. Education above the high school level in accredited institutions may be substituted for a portion of applicant’s general and/or specialized experience. Familiarity with legal terminology, court rules and protocol required. Computer literacy, including knowledge of Word Perfect 12 for Windows, Adobe, Excel and scanning software, as well as strong formatting skills and a minimum typing speed of 50 wpm are required. Experience with computer-assisted legal research is helpful. Must be able to work well with others, and handle a number of tasks simultaneously. Able to work speedily and accurately within a limited time frame, exercise mature judgment and work independently. Fluency (oral and written) in the Spanish language is helpful but not required. Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends when necessary is required.


The Federal Defender Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The Office offers a non-smoking environment.