Legal Fellow, Economic Mobility

Who we are:

At The Council of State Governments Justice Center, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, we develop research-driven strategies to increase public safety and strengthen communities. We combine the power of a membership association, representing state officials in all three branches of government, with the expertise of a policy and research team focused on assisting others to attain measurable results. We help achieve those results by

• Bringing people together from both sides of the aisle to foster collaboration;
• Driving the criminal justice field forward with original research;
• Providing expert assistance to translate the latest research into policy and practice; and
• Building momentum for policy change at the state and local levels.

What we're doing: 

We are helping states and communities create upward mobility pathways for people who have criminal records by

• Ensuring untapped workers have the skills and resources to meet the needs of businesses;
• Dismantling unnecessary policy barriers to employment and education opportunities; and
• Cultivating understanding and action among business executives and hiring professionals.

How you'll fit in: 

The legal fellow will assist in researching and developing policy options for each of the 50 states outlining how policymakers can mitigate the collateral consequences of convictions and reduce barriers to economic opportunity. Policy options will help make the case for addressing structural barriers to work and outline the steps each state could take to improve economic mobility for people with criminal histories. The fellow will also provide support to senior staff in developing tailored education and outreach plans for each state and additional policy analysis to support implementation of policy recommendations.

The legal fellow's responsibilities include researching current collateral consequence legislation within all U.S. jurisdictions; gathering statutes yielding collateral consequences as a result of a criminal record; conducting statutory analysis for a large volume of legislative and regulatory data; summarizing relevant statutes into user-friendly language for state-specific playbooks; and assisting senior staff in developing materials and engaging policymakers to conduct technical assistance to states.

This legal fellow position will not exceed one year.

 What you'll do:

• Gather, review, and analyze legislation relating to collateral consequences and other restrictions that affect people with criminal records.
• Prepare policy recommendations in the form of policy briefs, slide decks, memos, etc.
• Strategize with senior staff on ways of promoting policy recommendations.
• Provide administrative support to senior staff for state-based technical assistance.
• Ensure that senior staff and other colleagues are aware of relevant project development.
• Participate actively in staff discussions and strategic planning meetings.
• Develop/expand a knowledge base on collateral consequences and the impact of a criminal record on employment, housing, and other areas of civilian life.

What you'll bring:

• Excellent research and writing skills
• Ability to conduct statutory research and translate information into user-friendly language
• Excellent organization skills and great attention to detail
• Ability to engage with high-level policymakers and stakeholders
• Strong oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively present complex information in a concise and accessible way
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Ability to quickly prioritize competing deadlines and confidently manage workload

Experience:

At least one year of work experience, ideally in the field of criminal justice. Experience with state policy work preferred.

Education: 

JD, no bar admission needed; Masters in Public Policy, Government, or equivalent

Who you'll join:

The CSG Justice Center is one of the most robust criminal justice organizations in the country, composed of approximately 100 employees with decades of experience in law enforcement, community corrections, court administration, housing, mental health and addiction services, state prisons, local jails, juvenile justice, education, workforce development, and victim advocacy. Staff here have served governors, state legislators, and members of Congress on both sides of the political spectrum. What bonds us together is a shared commitment to our mission, to a common set of values, and to the national, bipartisan advisory board that guides our work. Learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center.

How you apply:

If you're interested in helping us drive change across the country, you should upload the following elements with your application:

1. Cover letter with salary expectations 
2. Resume
3. At least three professional references

CSG is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

CSG participates in E-Verify