Capital Case Attorney: Inmate Advocacy & Research

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

California Appellate Project in San Francisco seeks an UCIP Staff Attorney to oversee a caseload of unrepresented incarcerated capitally sentenced individuals and advocate vigorously on direct appeal and through habeas corpus proceedings. The role emphasizes intake, record collection, client communication, and guidance in complex capital cases.

The position requires California Bar admission, strong litigation and legal-writing skills, and willingness to travel statewide to meet clients, with a

Qualifications

• Must be admitted to the California Bar.
• Proven litigation skills with 2+ years in capital trial, appellate, and/or habeas corpus work preferred.
• Superior legal analysis and writing skills.
• Understanding of death penalty jurisprudence and vigorous advocacy.
• Knowledge of MS Office applications and legal research databases.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks under time constraints.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a caseload of unrepresented incarcerated capitally sentenced people and advocate on direct appeal and habeas corpus.
• Conduct intake, record collection, and prepare Case Information Reports for new clients.
• Familiarize with case facts, briefing, and RJA review where applicable.
• Maintain regular contact with clients, families, witnesses, and counsel.
• supervise law and paralegal students and coordinate with trial counsel and court personnel.
• Travel to correctional facilities statewide to meet with clients.
• Assist with administrative appeals and other prison issues as needed.
• Develop expertise in information law (CPRA, FOIA, HIPAA).
• Participate in CAP trainings and ongoing interdisciplinary research.

Skills

Litigation

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral communication

Travel readiness

Education

Admission to California Bar

Tools

Word/Excel/Outlook

Job description

California Appellate Project in San Francisco seeks an UCIP Staff Attorney to oversee a caseload of unrepresented incarcerated capitally sentenced individuals and advocate vigorously on direct appeal and through habeas corpus proceedings. The role emphasizes intake, record collection, client communication, and guidance in complex capital cases.

The position requires California Bar admission, strong litigation and legal-writing skills, and willingness to travel statewide to meet clients, with a