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Staff Attorney, Strategic Litigation

Staff Attorney, Strategic Litigation

ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT

The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in anti-racism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 200 people who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Strategic Litigation Department’s goal is to reduce courts reliance on faulty and unreliable evidence. Focusing on the leading causes of wrongful convictions, the team litigates in the areas of forensic science, eyewitness identification, and unreliable confessions.

The Staff Attorney, Strategic Litigation will be responsible for being a leader in the Innocence Project’s litigation in forensic sciences. They will work extensively with public defenders and defense counsel across the country, both on individual cases and broader litigation goals, and with leading scientists working in relevant fields to advance litigation goals. In addition, the attorney will train and speak about these litigation related reform efforts around the country. The Staff Attorney, Strategic Litigation will monitor and identify emerging technologies and new forensic disciplines for validity, reliability, and racial bias issues and develop new litigation strategies to mitigate the proliferation of harmful new law enforcement tools. This work involves close interdepartmental collaboration, as well as collaboration with the Post-Conviction Litigation, Policy and Data Science & Research Departments, and with the Special Advisor on Race and Wrongful Conviction at the Innocence Project. 

The Staff Attorney, Strategic Litigation reports to the Director of Strategic Litigation. This is a full time position and requires travel.

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 ideal candidate is a passionate and skilled litigator with a deep commitment to social justice and reforming the criminal legal system. They possess exceptional research, writing, and advocacy skills, with at least five years of litigation experience, including appellate or post-conviction work. With a proven ability to understand and incorporate complex scientific research into legal arguments, the candidate excels at crafting compelling strategies to challenge unreliable evidence and to advance criminal legal reform. 

In addition, all Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experience of a diverse and heterogeneous 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. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The staff attorney engages in all aspects of litigation and advocacy, which include: 

  • Pre-trial, appellate and post-conviction litigation of criminal cases, including drafting memoranda, affidavits and briefs, as well as frequent amicus curiae briefs
  • Drafting and filing amicus curiae briefs in state and federal court, including the United States Supreme Court 
  • Consulting with defense counsel at pre-trial, appellate and post-conviction litigation on strategy in criminal cases, including drafting memoranda, affidavits and briefs
  • Evaluating scientific research and incorporating scientific research into legal arguments
  • Researching prospects for new litigation, including both factual and legal claims
  • Assisting with the development of national litigation strategies
  • Preparing reports, training and advocacy materials
  • Conducting trainings and making presentations
  • Providing support and assistance to Innocence Project network affiliates and cooperating attorneys

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

  • Must have a J.D. and be admitted to the Bar in at least one state  
  • Must have at least five (5) years of litigation, appellate and/or clerkship experience
  • NOTE: attorneys with at ten (10) years of relevant experience will be considered for a Senior Staff Attorney position
  • Experience with and the ability to understand, summarize and translate complex research for a lay audience  
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • At least five (5) years of experience in criminal justice or related civil rights fields
  • Experience working with racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities
  • Experience developing and delivering presentations to various non-academic audiences
  • Experience incorporating social or natural sciences in legal research and/or case litigation
  • Ability to travel approximately 10% of time 

KEY COMPETENCIES + VALUES

  • Exceptional research, writing, and courtroom skills, including trial and appellate advocacy
  • Effectively scans the landscape for relevant information then breaks down complex problems into simple and manageable components
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple competing demands 
  • Embodies strong organizational and planning skills that entails prioritizing key components of a task while maintaining quality of work and attention to details
  • Commitment to social justice and public interest law, and an interest in leveraging the Innocence Project’s work exonerating the wrongfully convicted towards broader criminal justice reform
  • 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

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

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.

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission.  We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please visit our career page. Upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work, and a resume titled with your name in this format (last name_first name_cover letter/resume). Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to give applicant updates by phone or direct email. 

**Applications for this position will be considered on a rolling basis until the post is filled.** 

SALARY RANGE

$111,626+ Salary commensurate with experience

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

  • Must have a J.D. and be admitted to the Bar in at least one state  
  • Must have at least five (5) years of litigation, appellate and/or clerkship experience
  • NOTE: attorneys with at ten (10) years of relevant experience will be considered for a Senior Staff Attorney position
  • Experience with and the ability to understand, summarize and translate complex research for a lay audience  
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • At least five (5) years of experience in criminal justice or related civil rights fields
  • Experience working with racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities
  • Experience developing and delivering presentations to various non-academic audiences
  • Experience incorporating social or natural sciences in legal research and/or case litigation
  • Ability to travel approximately 10% of time 

KEY COMPETENCIES + VALUES

  • Exceptional research, writing, and courtroom skills, including trial and appellate advocacy
  • Effectively scans the landscape for relevant information then breaks down complex problems into simple and manageable components
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple competing demands 
  • Embodies strong organizational and planning skills that entails prioritizing key components of a task while maintaining quality of work and attention to details
  • Commitment to social justice and public interest law, and an interest in leveraging the Innocence Project’s work exonerating the wrongfully convicted towards broader criminal justice reform
  • 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

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

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.

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission.  We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please visit our career page. Upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work, and a resume titled with your name in this format (last name_first name_cover letter/resume). Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to give applicant updates by phone or direct email. 

**Applications for this position will be considered on a rolling basis until the post is filled.** 

SALARY RANGE

$111,626+ Salary commensurate with experience

What You Should Know About Staff Attorney, Strategic Litigation, Innocence Project

If you are passionate about social justice and eager to drive reform in the criminal legal system, the Innocence Project is offering an exciting opportunity as a Staff Attorney, Strategic Litigation. This position plays a pivotal role in bringing positive changes to how our justice system relies on forensic sciences. You will collaborate with public defenders and defense counsel across the United States to tackle cases that involve unreliable evidence. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of litigation experience, including in appellate or post-conviction work. With a great emphasis on research, writing, and advocacy, you'll develop litigation strategies focusing on forensic science and eyewitness identification. You will attend and lead training sessions nationwide, monitoring emerging technologies and their implications for justice. Thus, it's crucial to have exceptional analytical skills and be happy to engage in discussions about complex scientific research. Working in a hybrid model means you can impressively balance office time and remote work, making your schedule flexible. If you carry a deep commitment to reforming the criminal legal system and have a desire to make a difference, this opportunity at the Innocence Project could be your perfect match. Plus, a competitive salary and benefits accompany the role, reflecting our investment in our team’s well-being and productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Staff Attorney, Strategic Litigation Role at Innocence Project
What are the main responsibilities of the Staff Attorney, Strategic Litigation at the Innocence Project?

The Staff Attorney, Strategic Litigation at the Innocence Project is responsible for engaging in pre-trial, appellate, and post-conviction litigation, collaborating with public defenders on individual cases, drafting essential legal documents, and conducting presentations. They work closely with the forensic sciences team to challenge unreliable evidence while developing national litigation strategies.

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What qualifications are needed for the Staff Attorney, Strategic Litigation position at the Innocence Project?

Candidates for the Staff Attorney, Strategic Litigation position at the Innocence Project must possess a J.D. and be admitted to the Bar in at least one state, along with five years of litigation experience, preferably related to criminal justice and civil rights fields. Strong research, writing, and advocacy skills are essential, combined with an understanding of complex scientific research.

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What type of experience does the ideal Staff Attorney, Strategic Litigation candidate have?

The ideal Staff Attorney, Strategic Litigation candidate brings at least five years of litigation experience, particularly in appellate or post-conviction work. Experience working with marginalized communities and the ability to translate complex research for lay audiences are highly valued. A strong commitment to social justice is also crucial.

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Is travel required for the Staff Attorney, Strategic Litigation role at the Innocence Project?

Yes, the Staff Attorney, Strategic Litigation role at the Innocence Project requires approximately 10% travel as the attorney trains and collaborates with public defenders and other partners across the country to help advance the Inequality Project’s litigation efforts.

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What is the work environment for the Staff Attorney, Strategic Litigation at the Innocence Project?

The Innocence Project has a hybrid work model where the Staff Attorney, Strategic Litigation will work three days in the office and the remaining days remotely, adhering to a flexible schedule while ensuring efficient collaboration with colleagues and partners.

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Common Interview Questions for Staff Attorney, Strategic Litigation
What inspired you to apply for the Staff Attorney role at the Innocence Project?

You should discuss your passion for social justice and wrongful conviction work. Highlight any personal or professional experiences that resonate with the Innocence Project’s mission and show your understanding of the impactful change their work creates in the community.

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Can you describe a challenging case you worked on and how you tackled it?

Provide a specific example detailing the context of the case, the challenges you faced, your approach to finding solutions, and the outcome. This displays your litigation experience and problem-solving skills, which are essential for the Staff Attorney role.

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How do you incorporate scientific research into your legal arguments?

Describe your approach to understanding complex scientific studies and how you communicate that information clearly in legal contexts. Mention specific skills or tools you've used to bridge technical subjects with legal strategies.

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What litigation strategies have you found effective in challenging wrongful convictions?

Share specific strategies you've employed in prior roles. Discuss how these strategies align with the goals of the Innocence Project and demonstrate your innovative thinking in driving justice.

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How do you handle tight deadlines and multiple competing demands in a fast-paced environment?

Speak to your organizational skills and your ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Provide a real-world example demonstrating how you've managed similar situations in the past, showing your preparedness for the dynamic nature of this role.

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What role does collaboration play in your approach to litigation?

Emphasize the importance of teamwork and diverse perspectives in litigation. Share examples of successful collaborations with colleagues or external partners that led to favorable outcomes in cases.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you ensure that your work respects and appreciates diversity?

Discuss specific initiatives or practices you've implemented to promote inclusivity and respect the diverse backgrounds of clients and colleagues in your previous roles. Connect this to the values held by the Innocence Project.

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What is your experience with delivering presentations or trainings related to legal reforms?

Highlight any relevant experience you have in communication and education, including specific audiences you've engaged with and the impact those sessions had. Provide a brief overview of topics you covered.

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Can you explain your viewpoints on the implications of emerging forensic technologies?

Articulate your understanding of new forensic technologies and their potential risks and benefits in criminal justice. Reference how you would navigate these issues as a Staff Attorney.

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What do you consider to be the biggest challenges currently facing the criminal justice system?

Provide insights into contemporary issues like wrongful convictions, systemic biases, and the importance of reform. Relate your answers back to the mission of the Innocence Project and how your role aligns with addressing these challenges.

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The Innocence Project is a non-profit legal clinic affiliated with the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University and created by Barry C. Scheck and Peter J. Neufeld in 1992. The project is a national litigation and public policy orga...

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Full-time, hybrid
DATE POSTED
January 24, 2025

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