Trial Attorney (Federal Capital Case - Remote)

Overview

This role involves trial counsel representation in a federal capital case. The position is fully remote, and candidates may reside anywhere in the United States. Work can be full-time or part-time. This is a term appointment expected to last for the duration of the case.

Trial counsel will serve as a member of a capital defense team, working alongside co-counsel, investigators, mitigation specialists, paralegals, and experts.

Representation must meet the standards of the ABA Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Defense Counsel in Death Penalty Cases.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a relationship of trust with the client
• Digest voluminous discovery, including forensic evidence such as:
  • DNA
  • fingerprint
  • digital and cell-site
  • medical examiner findings
• Develop guilt-phase and penalty-phase strategy
• Supervise fact and mitigation investigation
• Research and draft pretrial, evidentiary, and constitutional motions, including challenges to the reliability and admissibility of the government’s forensic evidence under Rule 702
• Retain and work with defense forensic, mental health, and other experts
• Litigate evidentiary hearings
• Conduct capital voir dire
• Try both phases of the case to a jury if required

Requirements

• Ability to perform trial counsel responsibilities consistent with the ABA Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Defense Counsel in Death Penalty Cases
• Excellent research and writing skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior federal capital trial experience
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • forensic science litigation
  • mental health and intellectual disability litigation
  • capital jury selection

Location

Fully remote. Candidates may reside anywhere in the United States.