Legal Assistant

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 200 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 Legal Assistant  will be a member of  the Post-Conviction Litigation (PCL) team, which is focused on reinvestigating and litigating post-conviction cases of actual innocence. Most often, PCL’s  cases involve claims based on newly discovered evidence, including DNA evidence, mistaken identification, false confessions, faulty forensic science, ineffective assistance of counsel, police and prosecutorial misconduct, false evidence, and incentivized testimony.

The Legal Assistant for the Post-Conviction Litigation Department (PCL) is responsible for providing administrative support and logistical assistance to PCL staff and clinic students. The Legal Assistant will provide case file management support; please be aware that case files may contain graphic photos and descriptions of violent acts. In addition to supporting PCL staff, the Legal Assistant will also be responsible for reception coverage in conjunction with the main receptionist.  Reception coverage will be provided by the Legal Assistant during lunch breaks and absences taken by the main receptionist.  

The Legal Assistant reports to the PCL Director and works closely with the staff attorneys and paralegals.

All Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experience of a diverse and heterogeneous staff.  We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners.

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

While the Innocence Project has supported remote work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently committed to a hybrid workplace with mandatory three days per week in-office. The nature of the Legal Assistants duties may require more time in the office. The number of required in-office days is subject to change. 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is an independent and flexible individual with strong interpersonal skills. They are detail oriented and have superb organizational skills. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

CASE FILE MANAGEMENT

• Open case files (coordinate opening logistics and organize/create hard file)
• Maintain active case files (routing, filing, copying, scanning case documents, file organization of both hard-copy and electronic files)
• Close case files (coordinate closing logistics and enter final data in case management system)
• Records digitization for both open and closed files
• Support data entry into case management software
• Respond to archive requests for closed case files 
• Please note that case files may contain graphic photos and descriptions of violent acts

SUPPORT OF LEGAL DEPARTMENT

• Provide administrative support for time-sensitive legal tasks
• Assist with scanning projects
• Assist with mail & other administrative tasks
• Assist with answering client phone line
• Registrations for conferences, trainings, bar, etc. 
• Scheduling: schedule meetings and reserve meeting spaces 

RECEPTION SUPPORT

• Provides front desk reception support for main receptionist during lunch breaks and absences, which includes the following duties:
• Welcomes visitors; answers inquiries within administrative capacities
• Answers incoming calls on multi-line telephones and advises callers on case submission procedures, answers other inquiries within administrative capacities, forwards calls as appropriate, takes and relays adequate messages as required
• Stamps, sorts and distributes mail and packages
• Maintains out-of-office, conference call and conference room shared calendars

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent 
• Minimum one year of professional administrative and clerical experience; preference given to individuals with demonstrated experience providing support to multiple staff
• Proven ability to successfully manage multiple, various tasks
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word, and ability to learn new software systems quickly, experience with Google mail and printing and scanning hardware preferred 
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

KEY COMPETENCIES + VALUES

• Strong interpersonal, diplomacy, and communication (verbal & written) skills: the ability to interact effectively and sensitively with a wide variety of people of diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. (Interpersonal Skills; Communication Skills; Embraces Pluralism and Diversity of Perspectives)
• Superior skills in organization and attention to detail (Quality Focused)
• Flexible and collaborative work style, resistance to stress, and ability to function effectively in a demanding environment (Flexibility/Adaptability)
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative and reliability (Initiative/Self Motivated)
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments provided by numerous individuals simultaneously (Project Management)
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and/or criminal justice reform (Organizational Awareness)
• Spanish language fluency preferred, but not required.
• Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and for social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest
• Shares in 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.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please visit JazzHR. Upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work, and a resume titled with your name (last name. first name. cover letter/resume). Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to give applicant updates by phone or direct email. 

**Applications for this position will be considered on a rolling basis until the post is filled.** 

SALARY RANGE

$52,250-$55,000

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