Term Investigator (Chapter 154/Opt-In Special Litigation) - Capital Habeas Unit - Telework

Tennessee Middle Federal Public Defender

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Job Description

Overview of the Position The successful candidate will serve as Opt-In Lead Investigator, focusing on critical factual inquiries concerning the applicability and operation of Chapter 154. Under 28 U.S.C. § 2261, federal courts must evaluate whether the state mechanism provided competent counsel, attorney compensation, and litigation resources in individual cases. This position involves re-examining historical state post-conviction records; locating and interviewing state post-conviction counsel, court personnel, and other witnesses; and developing evidentiary records regarding state-level deficiencies. Position Description Lead historical and case-specific fact investigations under Chapter 154, including review of the competence of state post-conviction counsel and the adequacy of their appointment, funding, and available litigation resources. Locate, contact, and interview state post-conviction attorneys, court personnel, expert witnesses, and lay witnesses across multiple jurisdictions. Obtain public records, court dockets, institutional files, and physical evidence; organize complex discovery; and maintain accurate, comprehensive investigative files. Prepare comprehensive investigative summaries, timeline analyses, witness declarations, and other materials for use in pleadings and evidentiary hearings. Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary defense team, including attorneys, paralegals, mitigation specialists, and experts.

Minimum Qualifications

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, journalism, or a related field is preferred. Candidates must have significant specialized experience conducting defense or post-conviction investigations, preferably in capital or complex criminal litigation. The ideal candidate will demonstrate: Strong ability to review, analyze, and organize voluminous historical court records, agency files, trial transcripts, and other case materials. Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, detailed investigative reports, witness declarations, and other written investigative materials. Knowledge of investigative principles, trauma-informed interviewing techniques, and mitigation/social history collection. Outstanding interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to build trust with clients, family members, witnesses, and legal professionals across diverse backgrounds. A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance (mileage is reimbursable). Significant travel, including overnight travel, weekend work, and visits to correctional facilities, is required. Employee Benefits Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement benefits, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan. For details on benefits, visit Judiciary Benefits . Salary is payable by direct deposit. Application Info To apply for this specialized term position, please email a letter of interest, resume, three professional references, and a representative writing sample (e.g., investigative report or summary) in a single combined PDF document with the subject line “Term Investigator - Opt-In CHU to Federal Public Defender Dumaka Shabazz at HR_TNM@FD.ORG .

Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, journalism, or a related field is preferred. Candidates must have significant specialized experience conducting defense or post-conviction investigations, preferably in capital or complex criminal litigation. The ideal candidate will demonstrate: Strong ability to review, analyze, and organize voluminous historical court records, agency files, trial transcripts, and other case materials. Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, detailed investigative reports, witness declarations, and other written investigative materials. Knowledge of investigative principles, trauma-informed interviewing techniques, and mitigation/social history collection. Outstanding interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to build trust with clients, family members, witnesses, and legal professionals across diverse backgrounds. A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance (mileage is reimbursable). Significant travel, including overnight travel, weekend work, and visits to correctional facilities, is required. Employee Benefits Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement benefits, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan. For details on benefits, visit Judiciary Benefits . Salary is payable by direct deposit. Application Info To apply for this specialized term position, please email a letter of interest, resume, three professional references, and a representative writing sample (e.g., investigative report or summary) in a single combined PDF document with the subject line “Term Investigator - Opt-In CHU to Federal Public Defender Dumaka Shabazz at HR_TNM@FD.ORG .

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