The Federal Public Defender for the Middle District of Pennsylvania is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Federal Public Defender in its Capital Habeas Unit (CHU). The Unit represents death-sentenced prisoners in federal habeas corpus litigation proceedings in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. This is a full-time position located in Harrisburg.
Applicants must have at least five years relevant experience. The person selected must be able to
undertake the representation of petitioners in capital habeas cases in federal court from the initial
petition through appeal. The office seeks an individual with excellent communication skills, a commitment to poverty law or indigent criminal defense, and litigation experience in at least one of the following areas: criminal law and/or death penalty litigation, habeas corpus litigation, complex federal court civil litigation. A background in any area of mental health and/or social
work is also helpful. The position requires travel.
Applicant must be a member in good standing of a state bar and must be eligible for immediate admission to the Bars of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.

Applicants should be available to commence employment within a reasonable time following a hiring decision. Salary is commensurate with experience and education and equivalent to salaries for Assistant United States Attorneys with similar experience. The selected candidate will be subject to a background check as a condition of employment.

Qualified persons may apply by forwarding a letter of interest and resume with experience described in detail to:
Lisa Zerby, Administrative Officer
Federal Public Defender's Office
Attention: CHU AFPD
100 Chestnut Street, Suite 306
Harrisburg, PA 17101

Applications must be received no later than May 15, 2009.