Paralegal, Post-Conviction Litigation (PCL Clinic)

ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT

The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in anti-racism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 250 people who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Post-Conviction Litigation (“PCL”) Paralegals provide research assistance, drafting, and administrative support to attorneys pursuing one of the Innocence Project’s (“IP”) core goals—freeing the innocent.  PCL Paralegals are also responsible for general case management, records and data management, being responsive to time-sensitive litigation related requests, and for more generally assisting with the organization and maintenance of various department resources. 

PCL Paralegals have an expansive role.  In addition to traditional paralegal tasks such as document management, preparation, and filing, paralegals engage in tasks and make decisions that require out-of-the-box thinking and good judgment.  For example, PCL Paralegals often collaborate with attorneys in the important tasks of engaging and communicating with clients and conducting investigations and may be asked to work with other IP Departments (such as Communications).  

This role, the Paralegal, Post-conviction Litigation (PCL Clinic) is unique from other PCL paralegal roles in that it reports to one PCL attorney, with additional requirements to support the year-long legal clinic and summer legal internship. This paralegal works collaboratively with all PCL Department staff and with law clinic students, and may be asked to supervise and train interns, students and volunteers.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas and we are not an e-verify employer.

The duties of this position require approximately 40 hours of work per week to be performed virtually/in-office. We currently have a hybrid in-office model, with all employees in the office three days per week and the remainder of the week remotely. Wednesday is our organization’s “anchor day” where all staff works in the office. The number of required in-office days is subject to change. 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Innocence Project seeks an energetic self-starter who is highly organized and detail-oriented. They understand how to work in an environment with tight deadlines and they are flexible with competing and unpredictable priorities. Despite challenges, they are persistent and thrive under pressure. They have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and are enthusiastic about working directly with law students and supporting legal education. Most importantly, they are passionate about social justice and the work and mission of the Innocence Project and creating fair and just systems of justice for everyone. 

In addition, the ideal candidate models our IP Values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness. All Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and lived experience of our staff.  We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in this type of environment. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

ASSISTING IN CASE MANAGEMENT AND LITIGATION STRATEGY

• Maintain up-to-date and well organized electronic records on our case management system and paper case files and docket sheets 
• Communicate daily with incarcerated clients and their family members
• Assist with evidence searches, discovery requests and responses, and preparing public records requests
• Review and accurately synthesize the factual background of cases, including police reports, lab reports, prior motions, trial transcripts, and case files
• Develop a working knowledge of DNA testing
• Write memos about discrete fact-based questions. For example, about whether case facts in the record support a particular exoneration theory; prior and current testing history; evidence searches; and post-conviction investigation issues
• Assisting in drafting  other materials in support of litigation strategy, for example cover l