Position: Junior Capital Attorney

1. Introduction

The Louisiana Capital Assistance Center (LCAC) is a not-for-profit law office based in New Orleans, Louisiana committed to excellence in the provision of defense services to indigent clients facing the death penalty.

The LCAC is principally a trial level office, representing indigent clients at trial level in cases throughout Louisiana. In addition, the LCAC provides resource and consultative services to other capital trial counsel throughout Louisiana. The LCAC is involved in the representation of a smaller number of capital defendants in post-verdict cases in Louisiana and in state or federal post-conviction in Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana.

The LCAC is committed to the following values:
• excellence in the provision of capital defender services for indigent defendants, accepting that ABA Guidelines for high quality representation in capital cases set a minimum standard in the field;
• client-centered and relationship based work that respects the humanity and dignity of all involved in the criminal justice system;
• innovation and creativity in the provision of capital defense services;
• the elimination of racism and other forms of discrimination in the criminal justice system.

The LCAC delivers capital defense services through a staff of dedicated attorneys and fact and mitigation investigators, as well as contracting with outside counsel, mitigation specialists and other experts. The LCAC emphasizes team based defense and a holistic approach to questions of culpability and mitigation.

The LCAC has been in operation for over a decade and is located at The Justice Center in New Orleans, a building it shares with other not-for-profit offices working with indigent clients in the criminal justice system, including, the Capital Appeals Project of Louisiana and Innocence Project New Orleans. Further details are available at our website: www.thejusticecenter.org.

2. Role

The primary function of the junior capital attorney is to assist in the representation of indigent defendants facing capital charges at trial level in Louisiana. The role also includes participation in training and consultative services as well as additional service provision as required by the office. This position is intended for an attorney with 0-5 years experience.

3. Accountability

The junior capital attorney is employed by the LCAC and is accountable to the Executive Director. The attorney will work with and under a number of attorneys in the office.

4. Duties

The junior capital attorney will operate principally in a support role within teams of other attorneys and investigators assigned to particular cases. This will require the attorney to act with a significant level of autonomy in managing particular issues and areas within a case but the attorney will not have overall case responsibility.

Trial Level Representation
As a part of a defense the junior capital attorney will be involved in the provision of effective assistance of counsel in accordance with the ABA Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Defense Counsel in Death Penalty Cases, including:
• Legal research, analysis and drafting of litigation documents including motions, briefs and applications for supervisory review;
• Development and implementation of case theory, investigation and litigation strategies;
• Preparation for pre-trial, trial and post-trial negotiations and litigation;
• Development and maintenance of effective working relationships with the client and significant others in the case;
• Investigation and preparation of evidence for pre-trial hearings and trial;
• Identification, selection, preparation and use of expert witnesses;
• Management and maintenance of case files and additional materials;
• Some limited in court advocacy performed by the junior capital attorney.

Post-Verdict and Post-Conviction Representation
• The attorney will work on and have significant responsibility in the development and litigation of post-verdict and post-conviction claims handled by the office.

Training & Consultative Services
• Attendance at and participation in in-house and external trainings directed to improving and enhancing the attorney’s skill set in the provision of capital defender services;
• Assisting in design, preparation and presentation of in-house and external trainings in areas of specialized knowledge or interest.
• Providing litigation support on a consultative basis to other capital defense practitioners as appropriate to the skills and experience of the attorney.

Additional services
• Additional services and duties from time to time as the needs of the office dictate.

5. Selection Criteria

Applications will be judged according to the following criteria (in no particular order) and applicants are expected to address the criteria in their application:

Essential
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, be organized and meet deadlines;
• Demonstrated skill and experience in legal research and writing;
• A commitment to working with clients in poverty;
• A commitment to excellence in the provision of capital defender services;
• Strengths in team work, client relations and relationship building;
• Creativity and energy in approaching indigent defense and capital representation;
• Familiarity and proficiency with word processor software and legal research software;
• Licensed in Louisiana or willing to take next Louisiana bar exam.

Non-Essential but desirable

• Criminal defense experience;
• Experience in capital casework;
• Experience or training in mental health and race in the criminal justice system;
• Experience working with disadvantaged client groups;
• Computer literacy in additional useful software such as spreadsheet and database programs, case management software.

6. Salary & Benefits
• the position is full time with a 6 month probationary period and a two year minimum commitment.
• Salary range: $40,000 to $45,000, depending on experience. 5% employer contribution to 401(k);
• 100% contribution to health insurance for employee and dependents including dental.

7. Application Process

Applications should be submitted in writing or electronically to Kim Watts, 636 Baronne Street, New Orleans La 70113, kimw@thejusticecenter.org. Applicants should submit a written application addressing the selection criteria and include a current CV, legal writing sample and contact details for references. The position will remain open until filled.

The LCAC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all religious, ethnic, racial and gender to apply.