Paralegal, Post-Conviction Litigation

Innocence Project • New York, NY

1d • $70,400 - $80,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Post-Conviction Litigation (“PCL”) Paralegals provide research assistance, drafting, and administrative support to attorneys pursuing one of the Innocence Project’s (“IP”) core goals—freeing the innocent. PCL Paralegals are also responsible for general case management, records and data management, being responsive to time-sensitive litigation related requests, and for more generally assisting with the organization and maintenance of various department resources. PCL Paralegals have an expansive role. In addition to traditional paralegal tasks such as document management, preparation, and filing, paralegals engage in tasks and make decisions that require out-of-the-box thinking and good judgment. For example, PCL Paralegals often collaborate with attorneys in the important tasks of engaging and communicating with clients and conducting investigations and may be asked to work with other IP Departments (such as Communications). PCL Paralegals are generally assigned to directly support and report to two PCL Attorneys, and may be asked to supervise and train interns and volunteers. PCL Paralegals work collaboratively with all PCL Department staff and with law clinic students. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas and we are not an e-verify employer. 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 an energetic self-starter who is highly organized and detail-oriented. They understand how to work in an environment with tight deadlines and they are flexible with competing and unpredictable priorities. Despite challenges, they are persistent and thrive under pressure. They have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Most importantly, they are passionate about social justice and the work and mission of the Innocence Project and creating fair and just systems of justice for everyone. 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.

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

Responsibilities

• ASSISTING IN CASE MANAGEMENT AND LITIGATION STRATEGY Maintain up-to-date and well organized electronic records on Case Management System and paper case files and docket sheets
• Communicate regularly 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. For example, 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, for example 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
• Creating bookmarked PDF documents
• 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
• ADDITIONAL DEPARTMENTAL DUTIES 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 parole hearings, evidentiary hearings, retrials, and exonerations

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level