Appellate Attorney – First Chair

About the role

The Georgia Capital Defender Office seeks a Lead Counsel Appellate Attorney to serve as First Chair on death‑penalty appeals. This senior position involves representing indigent clients in capital cases, providing high‑quality appellate advocacy, and supporting trial‑level work when needed.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex death‑penalty appellate matters from filing to resolution.
• Assist as co‑counsel on capital trials, preparing motions and participating in courtroom strategy.
• Conduct in‑depth legal research, draft briefs, and present oral arguments before appellate courts.
• Maintain compliance with post‑conviction appeal procedures and required training.
• Collaborate with public defender teams and external experts to ensure effective representation.

Required profile

• Member in good standing of the State Bar (or admitted pro hac vice).
• Minimum five years of criminal litigation experience as a defense or prosecuting attorney.
• Co‑counsel or direct‑appeal involvement in at least one death‑penalty case and record of counsel in three felony appeals.
• Completion of at least ten hours of specialized post‑conviction appellate training within the past year.

Required skills

• Legal research
• Brief writing
• Oral advocacy
• Capital case representation
• Appellate procedure expertise

What we offer

• Competitive benefits package tailored to career stages.
• Opportunity to impact the lives of Georgia’s citizens.
• Professional development in capital defense and appellate law.