Staff Attorney – Inmate Legal

POSITION TITLE:  Staff Attorney – Inmate Legal

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

          At Nashua Street Jail, represents detainees in Suffolk Superior Court on petitions for review of bail.  At House of Correction, provides legal services to inmates; assists in the filing of post-conviction motions; acts as advocate for inmates within the House of Correction; advises inmates of their legal rights; researches legal problems and prepares memoranda; and performs related work as required by the General Counsel.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

          Works under the supervision of the General Counsel and direct supervision of the Director of Inmate Legal Services.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

          At Jail, provides technical direction to Legal Assistants who interview, screen and recommend detainees for bail appeal hearings and legal services requests.  At House of Correction, provides technical direction to Legal Assistants who interview inmates and respond to legal requests.   

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Assists indigent inmates at the House of Correction on post conviction motions, including, but not limited to, Motions to Revise and Revoke, Motions for Jail Credit, Motions for corrected Mittimus;

2.    Advises and represents indigent inmates on legal issues related to probate and family matters;

3.    Advises, when appropriate, inmates on general legal matters that may arise during incarceration;

4.    Takes affirmative steps to keep current in areas of the law that affect the inmate population;

5.    Represents indigent detainees at Bail Appeal hearings in Superior Court;

6.    Reviews all case files of detainees for recommendations for bail appeals.  Provides advice and guidance to Legal Assistants making such recommendations;

7.    Researches legal problems and prepares memos;

8.    Provides limited legal advice to detainees and staff assisting prisoners on legal issues;

9.    Knowledge of sentencing, including parole standards, jail credit, statuary good time and earned time;

10.  Maintains law library;

11.  Knowledge of Pretrial Controlled Release Programs;

12.  Flexibility and ability to learn and perform new duties and skills as assigned; and

13.  Such other duties as the Sheriff and General Counsel may assign from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS

1.    Ability to interact with employees and the public in a pleasant and discreet manner. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals at all levels throughout the organization, in other agencies, and in private industry. High levels of customer service, independence, leadership and willingness to write and maintain documentation. Must perform duties with a high degree of confidentiality;

2.    Thorough substantive knowledge of office procedures, practices, and equipment, including personal computers is required;

3.    Ability to demonstrate initiative and to work with co-workers and consultants. Self-motivator, ability to meet project deadlines and work on multiple projects simultaneously is essential. Ability to maintain accurate records;

4.    Ability to complete moderate to complex level of