Paralegal, Post-Conviction Litigation

Innocence Project•New York, NY

8h•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.

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

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
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