The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia
Civil Litigation Attorney
The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, Olympia, Washington, United States
Overview
Location: 633 3rd Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS)
is a federally funded, independent organization governed by an eleven-member Board of Trustees. PDS provides legal representation to individuals who are facing a loss of liberty in criminal, delinquency, and mental health matters in the local DC legal system but who are financially unable to obtain adequate representation. PDS employs approximately 200 attorneys, social workers, investigators, and administrative and technical staff who collaborate to advance the PDS mission. PDS’s main office is located at 633 3rd Street NW, Washington, D.C. Employment at PDS is at‑will and not federal or DC government employment. PDS is funded by federal appropriations, and all employees are entitled to participate in federal health and life insurance plans, federal retirement plans, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Transferring employees will receive creditable federal service for leave accrual and retirement purposes. This is a full-time permanent on-site position with remote work opportunities. The exact mix of in-person and remote work will depend on Division needs and assignments that must be performed in person (e.g., court hearings, client visits in detention facilities). For this position, attorneys must ensure remote work complies with ethical and practice requirements of the remote jurisdiction. Currently, Civil Division attorneys may work remotely up to two days per week. Even when remote appearances are permitted, the expectation is that PDS attorneys appear in person for all court hearings. Division Overview
PDS was the first indigent defense program to protect clients facing collateral consequences of the criminal justice process by providing counsel in related civil proceedings. The Civil Division handles a wide array of civil matters arising from our criminal defense practice, including housing-related litigation, civil forfeiture defense, tort defense, child custody, employment, bankruptcy, civil protection orders, restitution, civil contempt, child abuse and neglect, and special education advocacy. The Civil Division also engages in eclectic matters such as interpleader litigation, guardianship, wage theft, and probate. The division has two programs, including special education representation, and each division attorney may provide counsel to PDS’s other divisions as needed. Our Civil Division lawyers handle active litigation and provide guidance to other Divisions. They may work with medical, housing, psychology, forensic, DNA, fingerprint, child abuse/pediatric medical, and other experts as needed. There is coordination with the Trial Division’s Forensic Practice Group for certain scientific evidence. Complex cases may involve Fifth and Sixth Amendment considerations due to parallel criminal matters. Position Description
The Civil Division’s general civil practice is sophisticated and complex, covering discovery, experts, pretrial motion practice, and trial work. PDS emphasizes team defense and close coordination with criminal defense where appropriate. The Division’s resources allow staffing of complex civil cases, including access to a range of experts and the Trial Division’s Forensic Practice Group. Civil discovery and work-product issues are common due to the client’s involvement in the criminal justice process. The work requires handling civil cases in both judicial and administrative forums and advising other Divisions on civil issues. Civil Division generalists must be able to work on a broad array of civil issues, often with short notice or on an emergency basis. Attorneys must work well with clients and collaboratively with colleagues across PDS’s divisions. Responsibilities also include assisting in the preparation of practice guide materials for use by other Divisions and advising PDS attorneys on civil legal issues. Major Duties
Meeting with clients at various carceral facilities as well as at PDS’s office or clients’ homes or residences (Transitional Housing, Shelters, etc.). Drafting pleadings, trial-level briefs, motions, and other filings. Preparing powers of attorney, declarations and affidavits, and case memorandums and outlines. Drafting and answering discovery and taking or defending depositions. Working with PDS investigators to develop cases. Appearing as attorney of record in civil court proceedings. Conducting legal research and preparing memorandums on case and/or practice related issues. Handling civil legal representation matters as assigned by the Division Chief. Work Schedule: This is a full-time position. Although some telework may be available, the incumbent will often be required to work nights, weekends, and other non-traditional hours to meet deadlines. Qualifications
J.D. and minimum of two years of general civil litigation experience. A federal or state appellate or trial court clerkship primarily on a civil docket may substitute for one year of general litigation experience. Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills. Courtroom experience in civil litigation matters. A demonstrated commitment to serving low-income populations, preferably in criminal defense, civil rights, or legal services settings. Willingness to practice in a holistic team defense model of advocacy. Bar membership and eligibility to practice in DC. Successful applicants are required to make a three-year commitment to the Civil Legal Services Division. Preferred Qualifications: Experience in family law, abuse and neglect, public or subsidized housing eviction defense, administrative law, civil asset forfeiture, civil rights, public benefits, disability rights, and disability benefits. Fluency in a language other than English, particularly Spanish. Compensation
$94,199 – $119,482 DOE How to Apply
Applicants must submit: (1) a cover letter; (2) a resume with three references (name, address, telephone number, and a statement of how each reference can evaluate your skills); (3) a legal writing sample (preferably trial-level); and (4) an unofficial law school transcript or list of courses and grades. Upload your package as a single consolidated document. If you have questions, contact Director of Legal Recruiting Jennifer Thomas at (202) 480-0385 or jenthomas@pdsdc.org. Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer. * An unofficial transcript or grade list can be used as a placeholder before an offer of employment. If you are unable to apply through the portal, or need assistance applying, contact Jennifer Thomas, Director of Legal Recruiting at (202) 480-0385. Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis. The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS) is a federally funded, independent organization governed by an eleven-member Board of Trustees. PDS provides legal representation to individuals facing a loss of freedom in the local criminal, delinquency, and mental health systems in DC. PDS employs approximately 275 attorneys, social workers, investigators, and administrative/technical staff. PDS’s main office is located at 633 3rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20001. District of Columbia residency is not a requirement for employment. PDS is funded by federal appropriations, and all employees are entitled to participate in federal health and life insurance plans, federal retirement plans, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Transferring employees will receive creditable federal service for leave accrual and retirement purposes. Employment at PDS is at-will. PDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and E-Verify Participant.
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Location: 633 3rd Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS)
is a federally funded, independent organization governed by an eleven-member Board of Trustees. PDS provides legal representation to individuals who are facing a loss of liberty in criminal, delinquency, and mental health matters in the local DC legal system but who are financially unable to obtain adequate representation. PDS employs approximately 200 attorneys, social workers, investigators, and administrative and technical staff who collaborate to advance the PDS mission. PDS’s main office is located at 633 3rd Street NW, Washington, D.C. Employment at PDS is at‑will and not federal or DC government employment. PDS is funded by federal appropriations, and all employees are entitled to participate in federal health and life insurance plans, federal retirement plans, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Transferring employees will receive creditable federal service for leave accrual and retirement purposes. This is a full-time permanent on-site position with remote work opportunities. The exact mix of in-person and remote work will depend on Division needs and assignments that must be performed in person (e.g., court hearings, client visits in detention facilities). For this position, attorneys must ensure remote work complies with ethical and practice requirements of the remote jurisdiction. Currently, Civil Division attorneys may work remotely up to two days per week. Even when remote appearances are permitted, the expectation is that PDS attorneys appear in person for all court hearings. Division Overview
PDS was the first indigent defense program to protect clients facing collateral consequences of the criminal justice process by providing counsel in related civil proceedings. The Civil Division handles a wide array of civil matters arising from our criminal defense practice, including housing-related litigation, civil forfeiture defense, tort defense, child custody, employment, bankruptcy, civil protection orders, restitution, civil contempt, child abuse and neglect, and special education advocacy. The Civil Division also engages in eclectic matters such as interpleader litigation, guardianship, wage theft, and probate. The division has two programs, including special education representation, and each division attorney may provide counsel to PDS’s other divisions as needed. Our Civil Division lawyers handle active litigation and provide guidance to other Divisions. They may work with medical, housing, psychology, forensic, DNA, fingerprint, child abuse/pediatric medical, and other experts as needed. There is coordination with the Trial Division’s Forensic Practice Group for certain scientific evidence. Complex cases may involve Fifth and Sixth Amendment considerations due to parallel criminal matters. Position Description
The Civil Division’s general civil practice is sophisticated and complex, covering discovery, experts, pretrial motion practice, and trial work. PDS emphasizes team defense and close coordination with criminal defense where appropriate. The Division’s resources allow staffing of complex civil cases, including access to a range of experts and the Trial Division’s Forensic Practice Group. Civil discovery and work-product issues are common due to the client’s involvement in the criminal justice process. The work requires handling civil cases in both judicial and administrative forums and advising other Divisions on civil issues. Civil Division generalists must be able to work on a broad array of civil issues, often with short notice or on an emergency basis. Attorneys must work well with clients and collaboratively with colleagues across PDS’s divisions. Responsibilities also include assisting in the preparation of practice guide materials for use by other Divisions and advising PDS attorneys on civil legal issues. Major Duties
Meeting with clients at various carceral facilities as well as at PDS’s office or clients’ homes or residences (Transitional Housing, Shelters, etc.). Drafting pleadings, trial-level briefs, motions, and other filings. Preparing powers of attorney, declarations and affidavits, and case memorandums and outlines. Drafting and answering discovery and taking or defending depositions. Working with PDS investigators to develop cases. Appearing as attorney of record in civil court proceedings. Conducting legal research and preparing memorandums on case and/or practice related issues. Handling civil legal representation matters as assigned by the Division Chief. Work Schedule: This is a full-time position. Although some telework may be available, the incumbent will often be required to work nights, weekends, and other non-traditional hours to meet deadlines. Qualifications
J.D. and minimum of two years of general civil litigation experience. A federal or state appellate or trial court clerkship primarily on a civil docket may substitute for one year of general litigation experience. Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills. Courtroom experience in civil litigation matters. A demonstrated commitment to serving low-income populations, preferably in criminal defense, civil rights, or legal services settings. Willingness to practice in a holistic team defense model of advocacy. Bar membership and eligibility to practice in DC. Successful applicants are required to make a three-year commitment to the Civil Legal Services Division. Preferred Qualifications: Experience in family law, abuse and neglect, public or subsidized housing eviction defense, administrative law, civil asset forfeiture, civil rights, public benefits, disability rights, and disability benefits. Fluency in a language other than English, particularly Spanish. Compensation
$94,199 – $119,482 DOE How to Apply
Applicants must submit: (1) a cover letter; (2) a resume with three references (name, address, telephone number, and a statement of how each reference can evaluate your skills); (3) a legal writing sample (preferably trial-level); and (4) an unofficial law school transcript or list of courses and grades. Upload your package as a single consolidated document. If you have questions, contact Director of Legal Recruiting Jennifer Thomas at (202) 480-0385 or jenthomas@pdsdc.org. Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer. * An unofficial transcript or grade list can be used as a placeholder before an offer of employment. If you are unable to apply through the portal, or need assistance applying, contact Jennifer Thomas, Director of Legal Recruiting at (202) 480-0385. Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis. The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS) is a federally funded, independent organization governed by an eleven-member Board of Trustees. PDS provides legal representation to individuals facing a loss of freedom in the local criminal, delinquency, and mental health systems in DC. PDS employs approximately 275 attorneys, social workers, investigators, and administrative/technical staff. PDS’s main office is located at 633 3rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20001. District of Columbia residency is not a requirement for employment. PDS is funded by federal appropriations, and all employees are entitled to participate in federal health and life insurance plans, federal retirement plans, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Transferring employees will receive creditable federal service for leave accrual and retirement purposes. Employment at PDS is at-will. PDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and E-Verify Participant.
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