Office of the Federal Public Defender Middle District of Tennessee POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT Capital Habeas Research & Writing Attorney THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER, Capital Habeas Unit is accepting applications for the position of research and writing attorney. The Unit represents death-sentenced prisoners in federal habeas corpus litigation proceedings in the United States District Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the United Supreme Court. This position is located in Nashville. REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS: A research and writing attorney must be: (1) a graduate of an accredited law school, and admitted to practice in good standing before the highest court of a state; (2) licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee by the time of entrance on duty; and (3) licensed to practice law in the State of Tennessee. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation. JOB DESCRIPTION: The research and writing attorney supports Assistant Federal Public Defenders. The work includes drafting petitions and appellate briefs to be filed in the U.S. district court, the U.S. court of appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. The Attorney is expected to stay abreast of the latest developments in habeas corpus and criminal procedure; disseminate this knowledge to the assistant defenders; consult with the assistant defenders on legal issues arising in motion practice, evidentiary hearings, trials, and appeals, and on general advice to clients. The attorney performs other duties as assigned. Research and Writing Attorneys do not generally appear as counsel of record. SELECTION CRITERIA: The successful applicant will have an established capacity or clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, commitment to capital representation, and a reputation for personal integrity. Experience in handling criminal cases is preferred. SALARY AND BENEFITS: The starting salary of a research and writing attorney at entry level is JSP-9 (Step 1 currently $41,772) with promotion potential to JSP-15 (Step 1 currently $100,129). The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position includes regular Government employment benefits including health and life insurance, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary payable by mandatory electronic funds transfer (direct deposit). APPLICATION INFORMATION: Send or fax a letter with specific statement of interest in this position and in capital habeas work, résumé and representative writing sample to: Sharon P. Ross, Administrative Officer Office of the Federal Public Defender 810 Broadway, Suite 200 Nashville, Tennessee 37203 Fax (615) 736-5047 APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER