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Capital Appellate Attorney
Details
Description
If you are looking to join a collaborative team of attorneys who are passionate about providing high-quality post-conviction appellate representation in death penalty cases and improving indigent defense in California, consider taking on a new role as a Capital Appellate Attorney with the Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD)!
As a Capital Appellate Attorney, you will perform a wide variety of difficult legal work and provide high-quality and effective assistance of counsel to indigent persons. This includes:
- Representing individuals, including those sentenced to death, in direct appeals and petitions for rehearing before the CaliforniaSupreme Court as well as petitions for certiorari to the United States Supreme Court.
- Representing individuals, including those sentenced to death, in related post-conviction proceedings in the superior courts of California, as well as the courts of appeal, and undertaking significant roles in the development and presentation of complex factual and legal issues in the superior courts of California.
- Preparing limited petitions for writ of habeas corpus and related pleadings before the Superior Court, Courts of Appeal, and California Supreme Court, and providing representation in all litigation following from any evidentiary hearings ordered in relation to such petitions.
This is a terrific opportunity for an experienced attorney who is passionate about post-conviction criminal defense. Knowledge and experience with the Racial Justice Act and some trial experience or experience litigating writs of habeas corpus is preferred.
Benefits
The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes Health, Vision, Dental, and Retirement benefits.
Location
Associated Location
Suite 1000
How to Apply
Along with the State Applications (STD.678), resume, you will be required to submit the following items:
A Legal Writing Sample: Please submit a legal writing sample that includes a substantive legal analysis. Your legal writing sample should be no longer than 10 pages single-spaced or 20 pages double-spaced with 12pt. font.
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Please provide detailed responses to the questions below; this can be in the form of a cover letter. Your response must be single-spaced, written in narrative form, and no longer than 2 pages. The SOQ also serves as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing.
- Why do you want to work at the Office of the State Public Defender?
- How does your experience or background contribute to your ability to litigate complex capital postconviction cases, including direct appeals and possibly Racial Justice Act habeas petitions?
Applicants who fail to submit an SOQ and a writing sample will not be considered.
