Applications will be accepted until April 13, 2026.

ABOUT US

The ACLU of Florida, the state’s largest civil rights and civil liberties organization, employs litigation, public-policy advocacy, communications strategies, and public education to protect and promote a broad range of constitutional values and individual rights, such as freedom of speech, equality, due process, racial justice, privacy, religious liberty, criminal-justice reform, voting rights, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, and immigrants’ rights. The ACLU of Florida litigates a broad range of constitutional cases in state and federal courts through direct representation, filing amicus briefs, and submitting administrative complaints to state and federal agencies.

The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Florida is an affiliate of the national ACLU, a national public interest organization devoted to the defense of civil rights and civil liberties. For over 100 years, the ACLU has served as the nation’s primary protector of the liberties that define our democracy. The organization implements its vital civil liberties mission in all 50 states in large part through affiliate entities such as the ACLU of Florida.

The attorney in this position will work closely with the national ACLU Capital Punishment Project, part of the ACLU’s Center for Justice that challenges the unfairness and arbitrariness of capital punishment while working toward the ultimate goal of abolishing the death penalty. The Project engages in public advocacy and strategic litigation, including the direct representation of capital defendants, challenges to systemic problems in the administration of capital punishment, and amicus briefing.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Capital Punishment Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney is a staff position within the affiliate’s Legal Department.

Reporting to the Legal Director, this position is a new role dedicated to identifying and providing resources to capital defense teams whose clients have upcoming capital trials in Florida. The attorney will develop relationships with trial counsel statewide and provide support in the form of motion drafting, strategizing, and more.

This position can be remote (within Florida) or located in one of the organization’s offices in Miami or Tallahassee and will include some travel throughout Florida.

This position is funded for one year—any continuation of the position after that time will be determined by the strategic need and financial resources of the organization at that time, as well as a determination of mutual fit.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Using data sources to identify systemic patterns and individual opportunities for intervention
• Consulting with trial teams on litigation strategy, mitigation development, and avenues for resolving cases without trial
• Providing research, drafting, and strategic support in active capital cases
• Collaborating with internal and external partners on broader capital defense and policy efforts
• Contributing to the development of long-term strategies to curb the expansion of the death penalty in Florida
• Collaborating with the national ACLU Capital Punishment Project
• Engaging in special projects and other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

First and foremost, the candidate must have exceptional analytic, research, writing, and legal advocacy skills. The candidate must possess a J.D. and be an active member of the Florida Bar.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

While no individual person will have all of the qualities listed below, the successful candidate will bring many of the following qualifications and attributes:

• Demonstrated experience in capital or noncapital defense, ideally at the trial level
• Familiarity with capital trial practice in Florida or another jurisdiction
• Experience in negotiation, including plea negotiations and other case-resolution efforts
• Willingness to travel throughout Florida and, on rare occasions, nationally
• A collaborative spirit, patience, and eagerness to work effectively and professionally with members of defense teams who face the pressures of capital trial preparation
• Understanding of the role of structural racism in mass incarceration and capital punishment
• Strong and demonstrated commitment to client centered advocacy and civil liberties consistent with the mission and goals of the ACLU of Florida
• Commitment to diversity and an approach that values individuals and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstance

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation will be commensurate with experience, within a starting range of $75,000 – 110,000. The ACLU of Florida provides excellent benefits, including health and dental insurance with generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave policies, as well as an employer-matched Defined Contribution/401K Retirement Plan. Base vacation leave is five weeks per year (and six weeks per year after five years).

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Please send an email to [email protected] and attach a cover letter, resume, and one legal writing sample. All inquiries should include “Capital Punishment Attorney” in the subject line, and all attachments should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

Please indicate where you learned of this job posting. No phone calls, please.

This job description provides a general but non-comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU of Florida reserves the right to change the job description and/or posting at any time without advance notice.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers/United Auto Workers Local 2320.

The ACLU of Florida is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU of Florida encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status. We encourage formerly incarcerated individuals to apply.

The ACLU of Florida undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to ensure that persons with disabilities have full opportunities for employment in all positions.