Paralegal

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:
The Innocence Project, affiliated with the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University, was founded by Barry C. Scheck and Peter J. Neufeld in 1992 as a non-profit legal clinic and criminal justice resource center. We work to exonerate the wrongfully convicted through post-conviction DNA testing, and develop and implement reforms to prevent wrongful convictions. We only handle cases where postconviction DNA testing can yield conclusive proof of innocence.
 
JOB SUMMARY:
The Innocence Project seeks a Paralegal to provide administrative assistance to the Innocence Project’s attorneys on case management and time-sensitive litigation matters, and to 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 our assistance. The Paralegal will report to a Staff Attorney and work in close collaboration with clinic students from Cardozo Law School.
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
 
ASSISTING IN CASE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT:

  • Preparing court documents for filing, proofreading briefs, reviewing citation format in briefs for completeness in accordance with Bluebook; copying, collating, binding documents and exhibits, preparing tables of contents and tables of authorities, reviewing and summarizing court rules
  • Assisting with initial case development by conducting factual and legal research using online services such as Westlaw or Lexis, assisting with evidence searches and with preparation of discovery requests and responses, preparing public records requests and serving as liaison with laboratories, prisons, clients and/or their family members
  • Maintaining electronic and paper case files and docket sheets

OTHER DUTIES IN SUPPORT OF THE LITIGATION DEPARTMENT:

  • Arranging for litigation-related travel reimbursement
  • Drafting correspondence
  • 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

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor degree preferred
  • Competency with Windows, Microsoft Office Suite and basic internet research is required
  • Familiarity with Case Management software and Legal Search Engines such as Westlaw and LexisNexis preferred
  • Previous experience preparing documents for filing in court preferred

KEY COMPETENCIES:

  • Energetic self-starter who is highly organized, persistent and detail-oriented
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize and effectively manage workload, and regularly meet deadlines
  • Commitment to social justice; particularly the mission of the Innocence Project
  • Strong interpersonal and written communication skills and flexibility to work with different personalities

COMPENSATION:
The salary for this position is competitive and the Innocence Project offers an excellent benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account, 401k plan with company-match, and company-paid Transitcheks.
 
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with hiring in late Spring. Please email resume and cover letter as one attachment to hr2@innocenceproject.org with “Paralegal” in the subject line. Emails should be in Word or PDF format; .zip file attachments will not be read. This position is not a good fit for candidates with a J.D.
 
No phone calls, please. We appreciate all applicants, but please be advised that we can only respond to those we intend to interview.
 
The Innocence Project is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity