The Federal Capital Habeas Project (“§ 2255 Project”) is seeking a new Director.
The Project was created to identify, assist and consult with counsel for federal death-
sentenced prisoners pursuing post-conviction remedies. The § 2255 Project recruits and
recommends counsel in all federal capital cases affirmed on direct appeal; advises and
trains attorneys, mitigation specialists and investigators in capital § 2255 law and
practice; represents death row prisoners in a limited number of cases; and works with
the Administrative Office of the Courts (AO) and the judiciary to improve representation
for prisoners sentenced to death in the federal system.
The Director is responsible for overseeing all Project activity. This includes the
monitoring of developments in capital § 2255 cases nationwide; identification,
recruitment and recommendation of appropriate, qualified counsel for capital cases
entering federal post-conviction in any federal jurisdiction; developing and
disseminating research on legal issues of common concern; organizing consultation for
federal capital post-conviction cases; arranging national trainings; maintaining data on
federal death row; providing policy advice, information and assistance as requested by
the Defender Services Office of the AO, court staff, and relevant death penalty
committees; analyzing potential effects of legislative or rule changes on federal capital
cases; managing Project representation; supervising Project employees; and ensuring
compliance with federal defender program rules and requirements. The Project Director
acts as liaison to federal defenders nationally and to the host defender specifically.
The ideal candidate will have strong familiarity with federal capital § 2255 law
and practice, excellent writing skills, supervisory experience (especially in working with
a remote team), and exemplary ability to work well with clients, colleagues and all
stakeholders in the capital post-conviction process. Extensive travel will be required.
This position can be located anywhere in the country and telework will be considered.
To be considered, please submit (1) a cover letter; (2) a resume; (3) a writing
sample; and (4) the names of three references via email to
Banafsheh_Amirzadeh@fd.org. No phone calls please. The position will remain open
until filled. Initial review of applications will begin on December 15, 2024.
The Office of the Federal Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer and follows
the Employee Dispute Resolution Plan of the United States Court of Appeals for the
Fourth Circuit. The successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory background
check, including an FBI name and fingerprint check.