Capital Post-Conviction Attorney Position Available

The Capital Post-Conviction Unit of the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy has an opening for an attorney committed to representing death-sentenced inmates in state and federal post-conviction proceedings. Experience in death-penalty litigation, federal habeas corpus, and evidentiary hearings is strongly preferred, but not required.

The successful applicant will co-counsel capital cases with four experienced capital litigators, and have an opportunity to learn from them while also taking a leadership role within cases. Extensive training will also be provided.

Each case is staffed with two attorneys, an investigator, and a mitigation specialist who have responsibility for deciding how to litigate the case. The attorneys obtain cases when they enter the state post conviction process and stay with the case through federal habeas proceedings and clemency, if necessary.

Kentucky currently has 39 death-sentenced inmates, the majority of which are in post conviction. The number of death-sentenced imposed in Kentucky is on the rise as are the number of cases in the federal courts. Currently, two inmates are in the successive post conviction process. As a result, there is a possibility of executions in the near future. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work on these cases as well as carry a full capital post conviction caseload.

The position is located in Frankfort, the capitol of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, but we handle cases all over the state.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Applications should be sent as soon as possible and no later than the end of the business day on September 1, 2006. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. The position may be filled prior to September 1, 2006, so please email:

1) resume;

2) cover letter;

3) at least one writing sample; and,

4) contact information for at least two references

to:

Rebecca Ballard DiLoreto Rebecca.diloreto@ky.gov

For further questions, please contact Rebecca DiLoreto at 502-564-8006 or Rebecca.diloreto@ky.govor Marguerite Thomas at 502-564-3948 Marguerite.thomas@ky.gov