The third level supervisor will serve as chief counsel for the CHU. In this leadership position, the supervisor recommends actions and makes decisions that affect the basic content and character of the CHU’s legal operations. The supervisor manages a team of four assistant federal defenders, two investigators, and four paralegals. Responsibilities include maintaining expertise in federal habeas practice and case law, as well as execution protocols and procedures in jurisdictions where our clients were sentenced; ensuring staff are adequately trained; monitoring caseloads; participating in hiring committees and conducting performance evaluations; managing the CHU operating budget; and participating in cross-organizational collaboration.

Additionally, the supervisor carries a caseload consisting of cases at various stages of post-conviction review. The supervisor writes briefs, motions, and other pleadings; reviews voluminous trial and appellate records; develops claims and litigation strategy; advocates at evidentiary hearings and oral arguments; directs and conducts case-related investigations; and meets with clients, experts, witnesses, and family members.

Applicants must be a member in good standing before the federal bar in combination with admission and good standing with a state bar. Ten years of attorney experience is required, with at least five of those years in capital post-conviction/capital habeas litigation. The ideal candidate will have supervisory experience and a working knowledge of CaseMap. Overnight travel for client visits and investigative trips is required. Applicants must have a driver’s license and appropriate motor vehicle insurance. Attorneys in this office may not engage in the private practice of law.

An affinity for teamwork is essential.

Salary is commensurate with years of experience and qualifications in accordance with the Defender Organization Classification System and Salary Charts. The current salary range is $154,743 to $197,100 annually.

FDSET offers a generous benefits package, which includes paid vacation and sick leave, 11 paid annual holidays, medical, dental, vision, life/AD&D, long-term disability, and 401K retirement. FDSET provides medical (employee-only plans), dental, vision, basic life/AD&D, and long-term disability at no monthly premium cost to employees. A partial remote work week is available to employees after an initial probationary period.

The third level supervisor will serve as chief counsel for the CHU. In this leadership position, the supervisor recommends actions and makes decisions that affect the basic content and character of the CHU’s legal operations. The supervisor manages a team of four assistant federal defenders, two investigators, and four paralegals. Responsibilities include maintaining expertise in federal habeas practice and case law, as well as execution protocols and procedures in jurisdictions where our clients were sentenced; ensuring staff are adequately trained; monitoring caseloads; participating in hiring committees and conducting performance evaluations; managing the CHU operating budget; and participating in cross-organizational collaboration.

Additionally, the supervisor carries a caseload consisting of cases at various stages of post-conviction review. The supervisor writes briefs, motions, and other pleadings; reviews voluminous trial and appellate records; develops claims and litigation strategy; advocates at evidentiary hearings and oral arguments; directs and conducts case-related investigations; and meets with clients, experts, witnesses, and family members.

Qualified individuals may apply by sending ALL the following documents in a combined PDF file to Sharon_Buckingham@fd.org by Friday, April 17, 2026.

An email confirming receipt of the application materials will be sent to all applicants. Only those selected for interviews will receive further communication.

FDSET values a diverse workplace.