What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Attorney, Special Litigation Division, Public Defender Service for DC position at National Legal Aid & Defender Association?
Position Description
SLD attorneys litigate criminal and civil cases in local and federal courts, and act as consultants to attorneys in the other divisions of PDS. The attorney’s caseload will primarily involve resentencing litigation under the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act and/or compassionate release litigation. The attorney may also engage in systemic litigation, work on policy reform, and join specialized practice groups focused on issues affecting PDS clients. The attorney’s duties will include drafting substantive pleadings and presenting oral arguments; working with trial and appellate lawyers in on-going criminal litigation; engaging in extensive legal research; factual investigation and development; working with scientific experts and other consultants; conducting evidentiary hearings; and presenting training sessions for PDS and Criminal Justice Act attorneys. SLD attorneys must have excellent research and writing skills, be creative and persuasive advocates, both orally and in writing, and enjoy working collaboratively and under active supervision.
Attorneys with journalism, investigative, policy, social work, and other backgrounds, who developed relevant or transferable skills that can support the work of SLD, are encouraged to apply and to address the importance of their background. If, because of financial constraints or other issues, you have been unable to participate in the type of work that would demonstrate your commitment to our mission, please also address that in your cover letter.
SLD attorneys litigate criminal and civil cases in local and federal courts, and act as consultants to attorneys in the other divisions of PDS. The attorney’s caseload will primarily involve resentencing litigation under the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act and/or compassionate release litigation. The attorney may also engage in systemic litigation, work on policy reform, and join specialized practice groups focused on issues affecting PDS clients. The attorney’s duties will include drafting substantive pleadings and presenting oral arguments; working with trial and appellate lawyers in on-going criminal litigation; engaging in extensive legal research; factual investigation and development; working with scientific experts and other consultants; conducting evidentiary hearings; and presenting training sessions for PDS and Criminal Justice Act attorneys. SLD attorneys must have excellent research and writing skills, be creative and persuasive advocates, both orally and in writing, and enjoy working collaboratively and under active supervision.
Attorneys with journalism, investigative, policy, social work, and other backgrounds, who developed relevant or transferable skills that can support the work of SLD, are encouraged to apply and to address the importance of their background. If, because of financial constraints or other issues, you have been unable to participate in the type of work that would demonstrate your commitment to our mission, please also address that in your cover letter.