The Federal Community Defender Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has openings in its Capital Habeas Unit ("CHU") for five (5) Assistant Federal Defenders. The CHU represents death-sentenced prisoners in federal habeas corpus evidentiary and appellate proceedings throughout Pennsylvania.

Attached please find a job description for these positions. Salary will be based upon experience consistent with federal guidelines and regulations. Due to the large number of vacancies and available funds, we anticipate filling these positions as early as October 1, 2007 but no later than January 1, 2008.

FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEFENDER OFFICE

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA

CAPITAL HABEAS UNIT

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

ASSISTANT FEDERAL DEFENDER

Five (5) Positions

Responsibilities: The Assistant Federal Defender provides every aspect of legal representation to death sentenced prisoners in federal habeas corpus evidentiary and appellate proceedings throughout Pennsylvania, and in Delaware, Arkansas and in section 2255 proceedings.

Requirements: Applicants must be attorneys and possess strong writing ability, a demonstrated commitment to poverty law or indigent criminal defense and experience in at least one of the following areas: criminal law, especially in capital cases; habeas corpus litigation; complex federal court civil litigation. Capital post-conviction or appellate experience preferred. Recent graduates with outstanding academic records, writing ability, and demonstrated commitment to poverty law or indigent criminal defense will also be considered. Fluency (oral and written) in the Spanish language is helpful but not required. A background in any area of mental health and/or social work, is also helpful. Requirements include admission and good standing before the federal bar, in combination with admission and good standing to a state bar. Eligibility for admission to the Pennsylvania Bar or willingness to sit for and pass the next bar exam required.

Positions will be filled on a monthly basis as follows: two on or after October 1, 2007; one each on November 1, 2007, December 1, 2007 and January 1, 2008.

The Federal Defender Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

The Office offers a non-smoking environment.