INNOCENCE PROJECT
The Innocence Project was founded in 1992 by Barry C. Scheck and Peter J. Neufeld at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University to assist the wrongly convicted who could be proven innocent through DNA testing. The Innocence Project's groundbreaking use of DNA technology to free innocent people has provided irrefutable proof that wrongful convictions are not isolated or rare events but instead arise from systemic defects. Now an independent nonprofit organization closely affiliated with Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University, the Innocence Project's mission is to free the staggering numbers of innocent people who remain incarcerated and to bring substantive reform to the system responsible for their unjust imprisonment.
Post-Conviction Litigation Innovator
NEW YORK, NY
Supervisor: Staff Attorney, Post-Conviction Litigation Unit
Job Theme: Human Rights, Legal Services
JOB DESCRIPTION
In this new role, the Post-Conviction Litigation Innovator will support the work of the Innocence Project’s Post-Litigation Department attorneys in providing direct representation to convicted persons seeking post-conviction DNA testing and seeking to challenge wrongful convictions resulting from due process violations. The Innovator will collaborate with a staff attorney to provide assistance with inter alia, case development, completing high-level legal research and writing projects, and creating departmental resources.
The attorneys in the Post-Conviction Litigation Department represent convicted individuals around the nation seeking to overturn their convictions based on evidence of innocence, including through post-conviction DNA testing. They also work with a wide-range of forensic experts and investigators to re-investigate and litigate post-conviction innocence claims.
The Innovator will support this work by conducting high-level research and analysis related to complex procedural and constitutional issues, writing motions and legal memos, and by providing assistance with crafting litigation strategy. The Innovator will also help to develop projects that meaningfully impact and further the work of the Department such as developing case screening criteria and analyzing departmental forensic case data.
DESIRED SKILLS
- Strong research and analytical skills and an ability to write and speak clearly.
- Self-starter with the ability to take the initiative and follow through on projects to completion.
- Strong interpersonal and written communication skills, flexibility and patience to work with different personalities in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize and effectively manage workload, and regularly meet deadlines.
- Ability to work independently as well as within a team.
- Commitment to racial and social justice; particularly the mission of the Innocence Project.
