Paralegal, Strategic Litigation

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

The Strategic Litigation Department works to bring scientific integrity to the courtroom by advancing reform through litigation. Our department works to improve case law in ways that help to prevent future wrongful convictions. In particular, our focus is to compel courts to meaningfully fulfill the obligations of the judicial gatekeeping function by preventing evidence that is not scientifically reliable or valid from being admitted, and create new legal precedent consistent with science consensus. Our litigation focuses on the three leading contributing factors to wrongful convictions overturned by DNA evidence: eyewitness misidentification, the misapplication of forensic science and emerging technologies, and false and/or coerced confessions. Outside of these specific areas, we have a robust amicus curiae practice in state high courts and the Supreme Court, which focuses on broader criminal legal system reform issues. Our advocacy agenda is advanced primarily through litigation, but also through policy initiatives, consulting, training, public speaking, stakeholder work, and scholarship.

The Paralegal, Strategic Litigation provides support to Strategic Litigation (SL) attorneys at the Innocence Project and is a vital part of the Strategic Litigation team. This paralegal will work directly with the two lawyers in the Department who focus on issues related to forensic sciences. The paralegal is actively engaged in department happenings, eager to learn all facets of the department and is expected to assist with case research, development and management, and time-sensitive litigation matters. The paralegal is detail-oriented enough to organize and maintain litigation resources necessary to efficiently and effectively manage the Strategic Litigation department’s cases and to serve counsel who seek our assistance. This position is ideal for someone with a strong interest in the criminal legal system and a desire to attend law school or pursue other postgraduate education in a related field.

The Paralegal, Strategic Litigation reports to the Director of Strategic Litigation and works closely with the Department’s Staff Attorneys and the other paralegal.

At the Innocence Project, we wholeheartedly commit to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. We encourage all candidates to apply, regardless of whether they meet all of the stated requirements listed for this position. We recognize the importance of embracing, respecting, and valuing the diverse perspectives and experiences of our staff, which enriches our work and advances our mission.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.

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 a detail oriented, organized, and proactive individual to join the Strategic Litigation team. They are collaborative and enthusiastic about the mission of the Innocence Project.

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

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE AND CASE MANAGEMENT:

• Prepare court documents for filing, proofreading briefs, reviewing citation format in briefs for completeness in accordance with Bluebook; copy, collate, and bind documents and exhibits, prepare tables of contents and tables of authorities, review and summarize court rules
• Arrange for litigation-related travel and related reimbursement
• Respond to requests from outside counsel for materials and litigation support
• Manage SL attorneys’ travel and speaking schedules
• Assist with budget planning, including managing budget documents and working with the finance departments to maintain updated records

OTHER DUTIES IN SUPPORT OF THE STRATEGIC LITIGATION DEPARTMENT:

• Monitor case acceptance by state high courts and track pending litigation in areas of interest to SL
• Perform investigative and legal research in support of active SL cases
• Evaluate and summarize the evidence in cases of potential interest and identify the potential to advance the unit’s strategic goals
• Track and record SL attorneys’ litigation, consultation, and trainings for quarterly reports to the Innocence Project’s Board of Directors
• Draft SL listserv emails distributing exemplar briefs, judicial opinions, and scientific literature
• Assist in creating and maintaining litigation-related resources, such as expert witness CVs, their prior trial testimony and research, model briefs, and motions
• Collaborate with the SL attorneys, Policy Advocates, and members of the Data Science and Research Department to maintain a database of scientific literature
• Participate in the hiring process for any open positions within the Department, including but not limited to assessing candidates’ applications and conducting preliminary interviews
• Arrange and set agendas for weekly Department meetings and other Department events, as needed

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's or paralegal certificate plus 1 year experience, or equivalent level of prior legal experience (4 years)
• Superior editing and proof-reading skills required
• Familiarity with Legal Search Engines such as Westlaw and LexisNexis is ideal, but not required
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

KEY COMPETENCIES + VALUES

• Energetic self-starter who is highly organized, persistent, detail-oriented and works well under pressure
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize and effectively manage workload, and regularly meet deadlines
• Commitment to social justice, anti-oppression, and anti-racism work; with a particular interest in the mission of the Innocence Project
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills and flexibility to work with different personalities
• Strong interest in the field of law
• An ability and willingness to travel is preferred
• Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and for social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest
• Shared commitment to the IP’s values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

The salary for this position is highly competitive and the Innocence Project offers an excellent benefits package, including fully-paid individual health, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account, 401k plan with 6% company-match, paid disability and family care leave, adoption and fertility expense reimbursements, and company-paid transportation benefits.

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission. We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.

Upon submission of your application you will be requested to complete an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) survey. This survey is part of our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. The information you provide is voluntary and confidential. Completing the survey helps us track our progress in creating a fair and equitable environment. This data is used for reporting purposes only. Please note, the identities presented in the survey reflect federal language required by law. The Innocence Project acknowledges that not all identities are included and any reference to gender explicitly refers to biological sex. We recognize these terms are limited and we strive to humanize our internal practices. Your completion of the survey is greatly appreciated.

SALARY RANGE

$35.00 - $38.46 per hour (equivalent to $72,800 - $80,000 annually). Salary commensurate with experience. This position is overtime eligible.