Job Details for CHU Supervisory Assistant Federal Public Defender

The Supervisory Assistant Federal Public Defender for the CHU will be responsible for managing the CHU. The successful applicant must: (1) undertake the hiring, training, and supervising of staff charged with the representation of petitioners in federal capital habeas proceedings; (2) be able to identify, communicate, and positively resolve internal problems that may impact the CHU’s operation; (3) be a talented legal writer and a proven advocate and litigator in capital habeas cases with substantial experience handling capital post-conviction or capital appellate cases; (4) be team oriented, committed to indigent criminal defense, and able to foster the office’s role as a resource to the Criminal Justice Act panel members in capital habeas cases; and (5) be a graduate of an accredited law school and a member in good standing of the highest court in the state where licensed, but a Texas bar license is strongly preferred. All applicants must be admitted to and in good standing with the Texas State Bar, or a member in good standing of another state's bar and admitted to practice before the Texas State Bar within one year after employment begins. Ten years’ attorney experience is required. Management experience and ten years of exclusive or primary capital defense and/or state or federal post-conviction litigation experience are highly preferred. A background in mental health or social work is also helpful. This is a full-time, permanent position. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check.

The successful applicant will have an established capacity and clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and a reputation for integrity. Applicants must have strong writing and advocacy skills, the ability to work in a team environment, and effective organization skills, including the ability to set and achieve priorities. Applicants must also possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, staff, and court and agency personnel as part of their employment. Finally, applicants must also be team-oriented and be prepared to collaborate, brainstorm, and provide compassionate representation. Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable but not required.