Staff Attorney

Company Description

The Georgia Appellate Practice & Educational Resource Center ("Georgia Resource Center") is a 501(c)(3) non-profit law office established in 1988. It provides free, high-quality representation to individuals on Georgia's death row in state and federal habeas corpus proceedings and in clemency proceedings before the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles. In recent years, our office has also started representing some people serving LWOP in Georgia prisons.

Role Description

As part of a team, the attorney will undertake all aspects of state and federal habeas corpus litigation and clemency proceedings, including identifying habeas issues through exhaustive review of trial, appellate, and collateral records; working with investigators and experts to develop those issues into legal claims; conducting legal research; drafting and filing appellate briefs and pleadings; conducting depositions; preparing expert and lay witnesses for evidentiary hearings and clemency proceedings; conducting evidentiary and clemency hearings and presenting oral argument; and providing legal and investigative assistance to pro bono attorneys. 

Qualifications

• A demonstrated commitment to indigent criminal defense, racial justice, and the dignity of all people no matter their worst act.
• A strong preference for a candidate with at least five years of trial, appellate, or post-conviction criminal defense experience. The ideal candidate will also have experience in capital defense and the ability to supervise and lead legal teams representing clients in state and federal capital habeas proceedings. Exceptional applicants with less experience will be considered.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills, and the ability to think strategically and creatively about litigation and advocacy.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage a variety of tasks with short- and long-term deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to work independently and collaboratively on a team, and the capacity for resilience in the face of challenging circumstances.
• Ability to communicate effectively and establish rapport with clients and witnesses from a variety of backgrounds.
• Ability to travel and work irregular hours when needed.
• Member of the Georgia Bar, eligible for admission on motion, or willing to seek admission at the earliest opportunity.

Salary & Commitment:

• The Resource Center offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and role, within a range of $80,000-140,000.
• The Resource Center offers a competitive benefits package, including a generous paid time off policy; fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums; employer contributions to retirement; remote work options (though the attorney must reside in metro Atlanta); and training and professional development opportunities. 

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Email cover letter, resume, a writing sample, and three professional references to Operations Manager Brandie Martinez Bedard at grc@garesource.org
• Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, but applicants are encouraged to submit an application by September 26, 2025.

The Resource Center is an equal opportunity employer. We recognize the criminal legal system’s disproportionate impact on people of color and seek a diverse workforce to better serve our clients. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or criminal record.