Staff Attorney / Habeas Corpus Counsel / Senior Habeas Corpus Counsel

Overview

DO NOT APPLY ON THE COURTS.CA.GOV WEBSITE. PLEASE REVIEW THE HOW TO APPLY SECTION - This position requires submission of an official application and response to the supplemental questionnaire. The application and supplemental questionnaire are located at: http://www.hcrc.ca.gov/hiring.php . The required materials to be emailed to: JobApplications@hcrc.ca.gov

The Habeas Corpus Resource Center (HCRC), a San Francisco-based entity in the judicial branch of California's state government, seeks attorney applicants interested in indigent capital defense litigation.

HCRC attorneys represent people sentenced to death in post-conviction habeas corpus proceedings. We investigate and review the constitutionality of our clients’ capital convictions and sentences and file and litigate petitions alleging the ways in which our clients’ constitutional rights were violated. HCRC counsel review extensive trial records, conduct and supervise new investigation, research and prepare petitions and briefs based on state and federal case law, statutory, and constitutional law, and – in many instances – litigate those claims raised in superior court evidentiary hearings. The HCRC has an authorized staff of 88 people, including 34 attorneys. HCRC attorneys primarily practice in California’s county superior courts, appellate district courts, and the California Supreme Court; they represent some clients in habeas corpus proceedings in federal court as well. The HCRC also serves as a resource and provides training to private court-appointed counsel in capital post-conviction proceedings.

Attorney applicants to whom the HCRC extends an offer will be classified, based on experience and relevant qualifications. Staff Attorney is the entry-level classification in the HCRC attorney job series. Under direction, staff attorneys provide representation to indigent people sentenced to death in habeas corpus proceedings. Habeas Corpus Counsel is the next classification level in the attorney job series. In addition to providing representation to capital habeas petitioners, habeas corpus counsel provide direction to, and review the work of assigned staff, serve as consultants, and perform specialized legal work. Among other things, Senior Habeas Corpus Counsel, in consultation with the case supervisor, sets case objectives and timelines, and is responsible for planning and carrying out case assignments, coordinating the work with others as necessary, and implementing strategies. For each position, travel may be required both within California and out-of-state. The minimum qualifications necessary for each of these positions are set forth below.

Qualifications

All attorney levels require admission to the State Bar of California.

Staff Attorney: Admission to the State Bar of California.

Habeas Corpus Counsel: Equivalent of two years of post-bar legal experience in criminal defense or two years as an HCRC Staff Attorney.

Senior Habeas Corpus Counsel: Equivalent of six years of post-bar legal experience in criminal defense including four years in capital defense or four years as an HCRC Habeas Corpus Counsel.

Desirable Skills and Experience:
Strong written advocacy. Fluency in oral and written Spanish; proficient PC skills, preferably in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel; Adobe; and CaseMap. Experience in criminal defense-related work.

How To Apply

This position requires submission of an official application and response to a supplemental questionnaire; fillable forms for both documents are located at http://www.hcrc.ca.gov/hiring.php .

Please submit the following documents to JobApplications@hcrc.ca.gov : ( DO NOT APPLY ON THE COURTS.CA.GOV/CAREERS website )

If you are able, please combine the documents, in the following order, into one PDF with the title "Your Last Name, ATTY":

(1) a cover letter;
(2) the official application;
(3) your resume, including state(s) and date(s) of bar admission; and
(4) answers to the questions in the supplemental questionnaire.

Please do not submit transcripts, writing samples, references, or any other additional materials at this time.

Applicants may apply for multiple positions (e.g., Staff Attorney and Habeas Corpus Counsel) on one application form. For earliest consideration, please apply by January 12, 2026. Applications will be accepted after the earliest consideration date until January 26, 2026. After this date, applications may be received but may not be considered. This position is opened until filled. If you have applied with the HCRC previously, you must reapply for consideration.

SELECTION PROCEDURE
The HCRC is an equal opportunity employer. The HCRC believes that a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture enhances the performance of our organization and the quality of representation that we provide to a diverse client base. The HCRC welcomes all applicants, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

The HCRC reviews every application in its entirety. Candidates whose qualifications best meet the needs of the HCRC will be contacted to participate in the interview process. The individuals selected to fill the position(s) will be appointed at a level commensurate with their qualifications. All applicants will be notified by e-mail when the recruitment has been closed, if not sooner. Due to the volume of applications received, we request that applicants refrain from contacting the HCRC regarding hiring status and from in-person pick up or delivery of applications.

Please Note: If you are selected for hire, the Judicial Council of California will require verification of employment eligibility or authorization to legally work in the United States.

Pay and Benefits

Monthly Salary Range:*

Staff Attorney: $7,969 - $10,473

Habeas Corpus Counsel: $10,852 - $15,325

Senior Habeas Corpus Counsel: $11,993 - $16,096

*Salary ranges correct as of July 31, 2025

Some highlights of our benefits package include:

• Health/Dental/Vision benefits program
• 14 paid holidays per calendar year
• Choice of Annual Leave or Sick/Vacation Leave
• 1 personal holiday per year
• Up to $130 per month reimbursement for qualifying commuting costs
• CalPERS Retirement Plan
• 401(k) and 457 deferred compensation plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• FlexElect Program
• Long Term Care Program (employee paid/optional)
• Group Legal Plan (employee paid/optional)

HCRC employees are generally permitted to work remotely two days a week. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

The HCRC is an equal opportunity employer. The HCRC believes that a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture enhances the performance of our organization and the quality of representation that we provide to a diverse client base. The HCRC welcomes all applicants, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Supplemental Questions

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

FOR

STAFF ATTORNEY / HABEAS CORPUS COUNSEL / SENIOR HABEAS CORPUS COUNSEL

1225 ATTY

This supplemental form is intended to provide more detailed information about your work experience, background, and skills. Your answers to the following questions will allow us to better assess your qualifications.

1. Why are you interested in working as a Habeas Corpus Resource Center?
2. Please provide a brief description of your legal experience, including the extent of your experience in representing individuals charged with crimes, and any experience representing people sentenced to death.
3. Describe your experience researching a complex factual topic. If you have worked with experts, please describe the type of expert and the project.
4. Please provide a brief description of your experience, if any, in presenting oral arguments, conducting evidentiary hearings, conducting other types of hearings, or participating in trials.
5. How will your life experiences enhance your work on behalf of the HCRC’s clients?
6. If you are proficient in any languages other than English, please identify the language(s); describe your proficiency levels in listening, reading, speaking, and translating the language(s); and describe how you have used your language skills in past work or other experiences.