Paralegal

The Innocence Project, Inc. (“the Project”) is seeking a paralegal to assist the attorneys in its litigation department. The Project is a nonprofit pro bono legal clinic founded in 1992 by Prof. Barry Scheck and civil rights lawyer Peter Neufeld at the Cardozo School of Law/Yeshiva University. The Project represents prisoners nationwide for whom post-conviction DNA testing can prove innocence, and seeks to redress the underlying causes of wrongful convictions through systemic criminal justice reform.

The Paralegal will provide administrative assistance to the Project’s attorneys on case management and time-sensitive litigation matters, and will organize and maintain our litigation resources to efficiently and effectively meet the needs of both our own DNA exoneration cases and those of outside counsel who seek the Project’s assistance.

Duties will include:

• Preparing court documents for filing, proofreading briefs, reviewing citation format in briefs for completeness in accordance with Bluebook;

• Copying, collating, and binding documents and exhibits, preparing table of contents and table of authorities;

• Drafting correspondence; Conducting factual and legal research using online services such as Westlaw or Lexis;

• Reviewing and summarizing court rules; Coordinating service of pleadings and filing with courts, preparing public records requests, serving as liaison with prisons and laboratories;

• Maintaining electronic and paper case files and docket sheets; Setting up client calls with prisons/visits and conference calls for attorneys;

• Culling and organizing resource materials that attorneys use in litigation, including updating hard and computer library files on DNA laboratories, expert witnesses, resource guides, DNA/policy reports, newspaper articles, and other document used as exhibits and to support litigation;

• Assisting in creating and maintaining other litigation-related resources, such as state-by-state files on DNA testing legislation, a database of local and/or pro bono counsel, court decisions, motions, and issue-related model language;

• Responding to requests from outside counsel for DNA related materials; Arranging for litigation-related travel reimbursement

The ideal candidate is an energetic self-starter who is highly organized, persistent, detail oriented, and committed to social justice, with strong interpersonal and written communication skills. Candidates must be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize and effectively manage their workload. In addition, candidates must have flexibility to work with different personalities, to work late when necessary, and be able regularly meet deadlines.

Competence with Windows, Microsoft Office and/or Corel Suite and internet research required; familiarity with Westlaw, Lexis, Amicus or other legal software programs, and previous experience preparing documents for filing in court preferred.

How to Apply: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with hiring at the earliest possible date. Please email resume and cover letter to hr2@innocenceproject.org (include PARALEGAL) in the subject line. Emails should be in Word or Word Perfect format; Adobe files or .zip file attachments will not be read.

Please, no telephone calls regarding this position.

Salary: Competitive salary. We offer a generous benefits package.

The Innocence Project is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.