Capital Appeals Staff Attorney

California Appellate Project (San Francisco); San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Appellate Project (CAP) in San Francisco seeks a UCIP Staff Attorney to oversee a caseload of unrepresented capital inmates and provide vigorous advocacy in appeals and habeas matters. The role requires coordinating record collection, client communications, and collaboration with trial and appellate teams, while ensuring compliance with evolving death penalty law.

Hybrid work is available, with occasional travel to correctional facilities statewide.

Qualifications

• Admission to the California Bar with active status.
• Minimum two years of law practice in capital cases preferred.
• Excellent legal analysis and writing skills required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a caseload of unrepresented capital inmates and manage record collection.
• Conduct intake and draft Case Information Reports for new clients.
• Review transcripts and assist with Racial Justice Act reviews.
• Coordinate with trial counsel, appellate teams, and prison staff.
• Train and supervise law students for record collection and life history work.
• Travel to correctional facilities statewide to meet clients.

Skills

Communication skills

Legal writing

Legal research

Organizational skills

Travel willingness

Education

California Bar admission

Tools

Microsoft Office

WordPerfect

Westlaw/Lexis

Job description

The California Appellate Project (CAP) in San Francisco seeks a UCIP Staff Attorney to oversee a caseload of unrepresented capital inmates and provide vigorous advocacy in appeals and habeas matters. The role requires coordinating record collection, client communications, and collaboration with trial and appellate teams, while ensuring compliance with evolving death penalty law.

Hybrid work is available, with occasional travel to correctional facilities statewide.