Equal Justice Works Fellow

Santa Clara University•Santa Clara, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Northern California Innocence Project (NCIP), a clinical program of Santa Clara University School of Law, seeks an Equal Justice Works Fellow to focus on identification, investigation, and litigation of wrongful convictions based on eyewitness misidentification. NCIP’s mission is to promote a fair, effective and compassionate criminal justice system and protect the rights of the innocent. The Equal Justice Works Fellow is a full-time, two-year fixed term position. Responsibilities include investigating and litigating potential clients’ claims of innocence, conducting case and policy research and co-authoring a research report, representing NCIP publicly, and assisting in all aspects of NCIP’s practice.

Requirements

Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited institution
Member of the California bar in good standing or willing to sit for the next available California bar exam
0-2 years of experience with criminal law, innocence work, criminal appellate work, and/or post-conviction work
Ability to develop and implement investigative plan for cases
Ability to identify, locate, and review materials needed to evaluate a case as to suitability for post-conviction litigation
Ability to draft compelling complex legal pleadings to be filed before all levels of state and federal courts
Ability to work effectively with professional groups, medical doctors, criminalists, experts, and other judicial and law enforcement entities
Capable of in-depth legal analysis and effective advocacy
Knowledge of U.S. criminal justice system and leading criminal justice reform areas
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, complete tasks with accuracy, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of internal and external constituents
Ability to work independently with minimal direction
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
Approachable and collaborative personal style, works well with others in diverse, multicultural coalitions and workplace
Willing to travel to California prisons to interview inmates seeking assistance under the program and make court appearances around the state
Appreciation for the mission of Santa Clara University and demonstrated commitment to NCIP’s mission, values and goals

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Clio case management software a plus

Responsibilities

Identify potential wrongful conviction cases based on eyewitness misidentification
Investigate cases in collaboration with senior attorneys
Review and evaluate ongoing cases in collaboration with Case Management Supervisor and senior attorneys
Develop investigation and litigation strategies under direct supervision from senior attorneys
Understand and analyze complex legal proceedings
Draft legal memoranda, motions, petitions for writs of habeas corpus and other legal proceedings under the direct supervision of senior attorneys
Conduct evidentiary hearings and make court appearances throughout the state in collaboration with and under the direct supervision of senior attorneys
Compile California law enforcement eyewitness identification policies
Input eyewitness identification policies into tracking system
Analyze policy data and identify data trends
Partner with Artificial Intelligence experts to assist with data collection and evaluation for purposes of research replication and expediency
Co-author and publish a report based on law enforcement policy data with supervisors
Present report findings at NCIP-sponsored symposia and events
Complete special projects as defined by Executive Director and Legal Director
Represent NCIP publicly and participate in speaking engagements to varied audiences