Hybrid Paralegal, Post-Conviction Litigation

at Innocence Project

• Job title: Paralegal, Post-Conviction Litigation
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: $34 - $38 per hour
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, New York City, United States

About the role

• Paralegal providing research and administrative support in post-conviction litigation for the Innocence Project. Collaborating with attorneys to assist with freeing the innocent and managing case files.

Responsibilities

• Provide research assistance, drafting, and administrative support to attorneys pursuing the goal of freeing the innocent
• 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
• Assist in drafting materials in support of litigation strategy
• Prepare court documents for filing
• Conduct legal research using online databases such as Westlaw or Lexis
• Liaise with forensic laboratories, experts, and prisons
• Travel to meet with incarcerated clients and attend parole hearings, evidentiary hearings, retrials, and exonerations

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

Benefits

• 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
• company-paid transportation benefits