Investigations Attorney - Innocence Project : Job Details

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.

The Investigations Attorney is responsible to help the Intake Department evaluate cases to determine whether the Post Conviction Litigation Department should accept a potential client's case. Specifically, the Investigations Attorney screens cases that involve particularly complicated records or where additional investigation is required.

The Investigations Attorney reports to the Director of Intake & Evaluation, collaborates with the Post-Conviction Litigation Department and works closely with the Document Managers and the Intake Case Analysts. In addition, the Investigations Attorney may be asked to consult with the Intake Department's pro bono law firm partners as needed and may provide feedback and strategize with the Director of Intake, the supervisor of Intake law firm partnerships, the Document Manager(s) and the Case Associate on continued improvement and potential expansion of firm work.

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 Innocence Project seeks a candidate that possesses strong analytical and writing skills who is comfortable managing complex case files/records (including potentially FOIA litigation) and providing guidance for legal investigations. This candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, works independently, and demonstrates a deep commitment to social justice and public interest law.

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:

• Analyze case materials and conduct additional investigation to help determine whether the Innocence Project should accept a potential client's case
• Maintain a non-litigation docket of cases that primarily focus on those cases that are either more complex in nature or have a difficult/limited case record
• Utilize Investigation Retainers, where directed/needed, to obtain case specific information from outside entities such as laboratories, police departments and prior attorneys
• Provide legal guidance for the Intake team and Strategic Intake Initiatives staff
• Support two Document Managers with document retrieval, particularly in those instances where document retrieval is complex, may require a limited retainer, etc.

• May provide guidance and support for our pro-bono law firm partners and strategize with the Director of Intake, the supervisor of Intake law firm partnerships, Document Manager(s) and the Case Associate on continued improvement and potential expansion of firm work as needed