Capital Habeas Unit Chief

The Capital Habeas Unit Chief leads all Unit operations, strategic initiatives, and litigation functions while contemporaneously serving as a senior leader and personal advisor to the Federal Public Defender.

The Chief must combine outstanding legal judgment with strong leadership abilities, build cohesion within the Unit and strengthen collaboration with the Trial Unit so that the office operates with greater unity, shared purpose, and institutional trust.

This position offers a salary range of $80,138 to $197,100, dependent on education and years of relevant experience consistent with federal guidelines and regulations.

• health
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS)
• Social Security
• Thrift Savings Plan
• transit subsidy
• free parking
• 11 federal holidays
• annual leave
• sick leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Cleveland and Northeast Ohio also offer an appealing quality of life for experienced professionals and families. The region combines major-league sports, a nationally respected orchestra, a renowned arts community, lakefront living, and ready access to hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing, including the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, with a more manageable daily life and more affordable cost of living than many larger legal markets.

Because we occasionally litigate in state court, Ohio bar admission, or a willingness to seek admission to the Ohio Bar, is an advantage.

Applicants must also be admitted to or seek admission to practice before the United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

• Experience supervising attorneys and professional staff.
• At least ten years of criminal law experience, preferably including substantial federal criminal trial, appellate, post-conviction, and capital habeas experience.
• Prior capital habeas experience or employment with another Capital Habeas Units is an advantage.
• Strong relationships within the federal defender and capital habeas communities.
• A demonstrably firm grasp of litigation under AEDPA and 28 U.S.C. § 2254.
• Preferred qualifications include education, training, or practical experience in mitigation work or related fields such as mental health, sociology, psychology, childhood trauma, or social work.