Paralegal, Post-Conviction Litigation (PCL Clinic)

Innocence Project•New York, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Post-Conviction Litigation (PCL) Paralegal provides research assistance, drafting, and administrative support to attorneys working towards the Innocence Project's core goal of freeing the innocent. This role involves general case management, records and data management, and responding to time-sensitive litigation requests. PCL Paralegals have an expansive role that includes traditional paralegal tasks as well as out-of-the-box thinking and decision-making. They collaborate with attorneys on client communication, investigations, and may work with other departments. This specific Paralegal, Post-Conviction Litigation (PCL Clinic) role is unique as it reports to one PCL attorney and supports a year-long legal clinic and summer legal internship. The paralegal will work collaboratively with PCL Department staff and law clinic students, and may supervise and train interns, students, and volunteers. The position requires approximately 40 hours per week and operates on a hybrid in-office model, with three days in the office and the remainder remotely. Wednesday is the organization's anchor day for in-office work. The number of required in-office days is subject to change.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal Certificate, or equivalent level of prior legal experience (4 years)
Competency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and in-depth internet research
Demonstrated ability to learn to use new technological tools
Strong writing and critical thinking skills
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Proven experience in problem resolution and perseverance in getting a task completed
Energetic self-starter who is highly organized, persistent and detail-oriented
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, be flexible, prioritize and effectively manage workload, and meet tight deadlines
Thrives in moments of unpredictability, is flexible, and performs well under pressure
Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
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

Nice To Haves

Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Maintain up-to-date and well organized electronic records on our case management system and paper case files and docket sheets
Communicate daily with incarcerated clients and their family members
Assist with evidence searches, discovery requests and responses, and preparing public records requests
Review and accurately synthesize the factual background of cases, including police reports, lab reports, prior motions, trial transcripts, and case files
Develop a working knowledge of DNA testing
Write memos about discrete fact-based questions (e.g., about whether case facts in the record support a particular exoneration theory; prior and current testing history; evidence searches; and post-conviction investigation issues)
Assisting in drafting other materials in support of litigation strategy (e.g., cover letters, press statements, consent letters, and motions for DNA testing)
Prepare court documents for filing, including editing and proofreading vacatur and post-conviction relief motions, reviewing citation format for compliance with the Bluebook; copying, collating, and binding documents and exhibits, preparing tables of contents and tables of authorities, reviewing and summarizing court rules
Conduct legal research using online databases such as Westlaw or Lexis
Liaise with forensic laboratories, experts, and prisons
Write and compile parole packets and clemency letters, and gather letters of support from clients’ family members, friends, and community members
Work with PCL attorneys and the Social Work team to support clients’ re-entry
Assist in running a year long legal clinic with students from NYU School of Law
Revise annual syllabus; organize and lead trainings in partnership with clinic supervisor
Identify and schedule new guest speakers
Submit reimbursements for clinic expenses; organize clinic-wide events
Communicate with students on project deadlines, seminar readings and office-related events
Assist in running the 10-week PCL summer internship with law students from around the country
Revise and refresh summer training schedule; organize and lead trainings in partnership with clinic supervisor; identify and schedule guest speakers
Submit reimbursements for internship expenses; organize clinic-wide events
Communicate with students on project deadlines, readings, and office-related events
Arrange for litigation-related travel and reimbursement
Scan and copy documents and prepare hard copy resources such as binders
Travel to meet with incarcerated clients and attend and prepare for parole hearings, evidentiary hearings, retrials, and exonerations