The Capital Defenders Office has an opening for a capital trial attorney located in Atlanta, Georgia. We are accepting applications for a First Chair qualified capital attorney who will lead the team and office in southeast Georgia.
The Capital Defenders Office in Atlanta handles indigent capital cases predominantly in the Atlanta metropolitan but the applicant must be willing and able to handle cases throughout Georgia if necessary. Applicants must have a strong interest in death penalty defense and client-centered representation. Capital experience is preferred. Applicants are expected to provide zealous representation and advocacy to indigent defendants facing the death penalty.
First Chair applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
Applicants must possess excellent trial skills and have an understanding of capital trials, pre-trial motion practice, 8th Amendment jurisprudence, ABA guidelines for the representation of clients in capital cases, client relations, and negotiation. The attorney will be expected to manage an interdisciplinary team consisting of but not limited to one other attorney, one mitigation specialist, and one fact investigator, as well as be able to manage case budgets and experts as necessary on a case-by-case basis. Applicant must have at least five (5) years of criminal defense trial experience and be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia or able to waive into the Georgia Bar within a reasonable time period.
Applicant must have been (a) lead counsel in at least one death penalty case to trial, (b) lead counsel in at least three serious violent felonies to trial, including at least two non-capital murder cases, or (c) co-counsel on at least one death penalty trial to verdict. Applicant must be experienced in the use of expert witnesses in the fields of mental health and forensic evidence, including psychiatric evidence. Applicant must be willing to relocate to the Atlanta Metro area. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel extensively. Salary comes with full State of Georgia benefits, including health insurance and State pension.
Interested applicants should apply on Team Georgia Careers and submit a cover letter, resume, a listing of pertinent criminal cases, 3 references, and a writing sample to Becky Kincaid at bkincaid@gacapdef.org.
Description of Duties: The First Chair Attorney will provide competent and zealous representation and advocacy to indigent defendants facing the death penalty. This position performs as an expert attorney, assigned to serious, high-profile, and significant felony cases. Performs other related duties as assigned.
