Capital Habeas Investigator
The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting applications for full-time investigator positions in its Capital Habeas Unit (CHU), stationed in Los Angeles, California. The CHU advocates for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of indigent persons sentenced to death. We provide the highest quality representation in post-conviction proceedings through diversity of experience, collaborative and thorough case development, focused litigation strategies, and skilled courtroom advocacy.
The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.
Job Duties: CHU investigators are responsible for gathering facts and mitigating information about our clients and their cases. General areas of responsibility include formulating investigation plans, researching environmental, community, and socio-economic conditions, locating and interviewing witnesses; writing reports, drafting declarations, serving subpoenas, and testifying in court (as necessary); developing a relationship with clients; interviewing clients’ friends and family members; collecting documents; reviewing trial evidence; and working with attorneys to develop mitigation themes.
Requirements: All applicants must have graduated from an accredited school with a bachelor’s degree. Extensive relevant experience may substitute a bachelor’s degree. A background in law, social work, or mental health is a plus. A high level of computer literacy is required, and applicants must be able to organize work and set priorities to meet critical deadlines. Applicants must be proficient in conducting online and social media investigations. They must also demonstrate an ability to use open sources creatively to develop both fact and mitigation evidence. Adaptation to dynamic cyber environments by keeping skill sets current is a requirement of the position. Familiarity with forensic discovery applications is a plus. The ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish is preferred, but not required. This position may call for extensive travel. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and a working vehicle with appropriate insurance. Varying hours including nights, weekends, and holidays may be required.
A background investigation is a condition of employment. Applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents seeking citizenship as described here: https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirements-employment-judiciary.
Selection Criteria: Successful applicants demonstrate a commitment to the defense of death sentenced individuals; must have excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; must be able to develop a rapport with people of different backgrounds; can work independently and take initiative; are capable of analyzing and communicating complex information; have the drive to broaden the depths of their knowledge; and work well in teams.
Salary/Benefits: This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to direct deposit. After successful completion of a probationary period, eligible employees may elect to telework up to two days per week, subject to certain conditions. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan. For more information on benefits, see http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
How to Apply: Apply by emailing a letter of interest, résumé, three writing samples, and three references in a single PDF document to Cuauhtémoc Ortega, Federal Public Defender, at employment@fpdcdca.org with the subject line: CAPITAL HABEAS INVESTIGATOR APPLICATION. We will accept applications until Friday, April 26, 2024. The Federal Public Defender’s Office may fill current and future positions from this vacancy announcement. Please, no phone calls.