Paralegal, Post-Conviction Litigation

4-5 yrs required

Full-time

No

JOB TITLE: Paralegal, Post-Conviction Litigation
DEPARTMENT: Post-Conviction Litigation
ORGANIZATION: Innocence Project
LOCATION: New York, NY
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full Time
EXPERIENCE: Entry Level

The Innocence Project, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to freeing the innocent, preventing wrongful convictions, and promoting fair and equitable justice systems, is seeking a Paralegal for their Post-Conviction Litigation (PCL) Department. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly organized and detail-oriented individual with a passion for social justice and the mission of the Innocence Project. The Paralegal will provide research assistance, drafting, and administrative support to attorneys pursuing the goal of freeing innocent individuals who have been wrongfully convicted. The position offers a highly competitive salary and excellent benefits, as well as the opportunity to work with a diverse and dedicated team.

ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT

The Innocence Project uses science and anti-racist principles to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair and compassionate justice systems for all. Their work has resulted in the exoneration of over 200 individuals who collectively spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. They have also led to the passage of over 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. The Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit .

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Paralegal will play a crucial role in the PCL Department by providing support to attorneys in their efforts to free the innocent. This includes maintaining case files, communicating with incarcerated clients and their families, conducting legal research, drafting memos and court documents, and managing litigation-related travel and reimbursement. The Paralegal will also assist with department-wide initiatives and may be asked to supervise and train interns and volunteers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

- Maintain organized and up-to-date case records and docket sheets
- Communicate regularly with incarcerated clients and their families
- Assist with evidence searches, discovery requests and responses, and public records requests
- Review and synthesize case facts and develop a working knowledge of DNA testing
- Write memos and other materials to support litigation strategy
- Prepare court documents for filing and conduct legal research
- Liaise with forensic laboratories, experts, and prisons
- Write and compile parole packets and clemency letters
- Arrange litigation-related travel and reimbursement
- Assist in creating and maintaining litigation-related resources
- Scan and copy documents and prepare hard copy resources
- Travel to meet with incarcerated clients and attend hearings and trials

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

- Bachelor's degree or Paralegal Certificate, or equivalent legal experience (4 years)
- Competency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and internet research
- Demonstrated ability to learn new technological tools
- Strong writing and critical thinking skills
- Must be legally authorized to work in the .

KEY COMPETENCIES:

- Commitment to racial and social justice and the mission of the Innocence Project
- Strong problem-solving skills and perseverance in completing tasks
- Highly organized, persistent, and detail-oriented
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines
- Flexible and able to perform well under pressure
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
- Ability to work respectfully and inclusively with diverse individuals
- Shares values of equity, excellence, collaboration, humanity, integrity, respect, and accountability

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 values the diversity of its workforce and strongly encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply. They believe that diverse perspectives and experiences lead to better outcomes. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, they do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis 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 upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization's work, and a resume titled with your name (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.

*At the Innocence Project, they recognize that talent and passion can come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. They encourage individuals with at least 5 years of relevant experience to apply, regardless of educational qualifications. Whether you are returning to work after a gap, transitioning to a new career, or looking to take the next step in your professional life, they encourage you to apply if you have transferable skills and experience.

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

SALARY RANGE: - ($70,400 - $80,000) Salary commensurate with experience

Not specified.

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.

Not specified.

Legal research, case management, litigation strategy, communication, writing, critical thinking, problem resolution, organization, time management, data management, technology proficiency, interpersonal skills, diversity and inclusion.

Bachelor's degree or Paralegal Certificate, or equivalent legal experience (4 years).

Upload a cover letter and resume through the secure site.

Qualification and Experience Bachelor's degree or Paralegal Certificate, or equivalent legal experience (4 years).

Legal