Staff Attorney

STAFF ATTORNEY POSITION

The Second Look Project (“SLP”) is a 501(c)3 organization that provides direct representation and advocacy for individuals given extreme sentences in Washington, D.C. We also provide consultation, advice, and litigation support to other attorneys handling sentence reduction cases and are working to develop D.C. as a model for other jurisdictions seeking to implement similar reforms. SLP is accepting applications for full-time staff attorneys.

SLP seeks a passionate and skilled Staff Attorney to provide direct representation to individuals serving lengthy sentences in Washington, D.C. The Staff Attorney will work closely with clients seeking sentence reductions, while also supporting the organization’s broader advocacy and reentry efforts. This role is ideal for a dedicated legal professional committed to criminal justice reform and decarceration.

Key Responsibilities:

• • Represent incarcerated individuals in seeking sentence reductions through IRAA and compassionate release laws in D.C. Superior Court.
  • Manage an active case load, including clients incarcerated in the Bureau of Prison and clients who are on probation.
  • Conduct legal research and writing, draft pleadings, and advocate in court hearings.
  • Communicate with incarcerated clients, their families, and other relevant parties, ensuring clients are heard and respected.
  • Assist pro bono attorneys and CJA attorneys in legal strategy and training.
  • Work with community partners to help amplify our mission and ensure that clients are re-entering the community successfully.

Qualifications:

• • J.D. degree and active bar membership in D.C. or the ability to waive in.
  • 2+ years of experience in criminal defense, post-conviction litigation preferred.
  • Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments.
  • Passion for criminal justice reform, racial justice, and decarceration.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented, client-centered environment.
  • Experience working with incarcerated individuals or marginalized communities is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits:

• • Salary Range: $70,00 -$80,000 and commensurate with experience.
  • Benefits: health insurance, commuter benefits, flexible leave, and a hybrid work environment.

How to Apply:

To apply, interested candidates should submit a resume,

cover letter specifying why you are drawn to this work, brief writing sample

(preferably a legal brief or memorandum that has not been edited by others),

and two professional references in a single consolidated PDF to

info@secondlookdc.org as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a

rolling basis. Position is open until filled. If you have questions about the

application or are unable to upload your consolidated application, please email

us at info@secondlookdc.org.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

The Second Look Project is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages qualified individuals of all backgrounds to apply, including BIPOC, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, directly impacted individuals, and people from other historically disenfranchised communities.