About The Innocence Project

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 250 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. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.

About The Position

Post-Conviction Litigation ("PCL") Paralegals provide research assistance, drafting, and administrative support to attorneys pursuing one of the Innocence Project's ("IP") core goals—freeing the innocent. PCL Paralegals are also responsible for general case management, records and data management, being responsive to time-sensitive litigation related requests, and for more generally assisting with the organization and maintenance of various department resources.

PCL Paralegals have an expansive role. In addition to traditional paralegal tasks such as document management, preparation, and filing, paralegals engage in tasks and make decisions that require out-of-the-box thinking and good judgment. For example, PCL Paralegals often collaborate with attorneys in the important tasks of engaging and communicating with clients and conducting investigations and may be asked to work with other IP Departments (such as Communications).

This role, the Paralegal, Post-conviction Litigation (PCL Clinic) is unique from other PCL paralegal roles in that it reports to one PCL attorney, with additional requirements to support the year-long legal clinic and summer legal internship. This paralegal works collaboratively with all PCL Department staff and with law clinic students, and may be asked to supervise and train interns, students and volunteers.

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 IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Innocence Project seeks an energetic self-starter who is highly organized and detail-oriented. They understand how to work in an environment with tight deadlines and they are flexible with competing and unpredictable priorities. Despite challenges, they are persistent and thrive under pressure. They have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and are enthusiastic about working directly with law students and supporting legal education. Most importantly, they are passionate about social justice and the work and mission of the Innocence Project and creating fair and just systems of justice for everyone.

In addition, the ideal candidate models our IP Values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness. All Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and lived experience of our 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

ASSISTING IN CASE MANAGEMENT AND LITIGATION STRATEGY

Maintain up-to-date and well organized electronic records on our case management system and paper case files and docket sheets
Communicate daily 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. For example, about whether case facts in the record support a particular exoneration theory; prior and current testing history; evidence searches; and post-conviction investigation issues
Assisting in drafting other materials in support of litigation strategy, for example cover letters, press statements, consent letters, and motions for DNA testing
Prepare court documents for filing, including editing and proofreading vacatur and post-conviction relief motions, reviewing citation format for compliance with the Bluebook; copying, collating, and binding documents and exhibits, preparing tables of contents and tables of authorities, reviewing and summarizing court rules
Conduct legal research using online databases such as Westlaw or Lexis
Liaise with forensic laboratories, experts, and prisons
Write and compile parole packets and clemency letters, and gather letters of support from clients' family members, friends, and community members
Work with PCL attorneys and the Social Work team to support clients' re-entry

NYU SCHOOL OF LAW CLINIC

Assist in running a year long legal clinic with students from NYU School of Law
Revise annual syllabus; organize and lead trainings in partnership with clinic supervisor
Identify and schedule new guest speakers
Submit reimbursements for clinic expenses; organize clinic-wide events
Communicate with students on project deadlines, seminar readings and office-related events

SUMMER PCL LEGAL INTERNSHIP

Assist in running the 10-week PCL summer internship with law students from around the country
Revise and refresh summer training schedule; organize and lead trainings in partnership with clinic supervisor; identify and schedule guest speakers
Submit reimbursements for internship expenses; organize clinic-wide events
Communicate with students on project deadlines, readings, and office-related events

Additional Departmental Duties

Arrange for litigation-related travel and reimbursement
Scan and copy documents and prepare hard copy resources such as binders
Travel to meet with incarcerated clients and attend and prepare for parole hearings, evidentiary hearings, retrials, and exonerations

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

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

KEY COMPETENCIES + VALUES

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

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

The salary for this position is highly competitive and the Innocence Project offers an excellent benefits package, including 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, and company-paid transportation benefits.

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization's success in meeting its mission. We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.

Upon submission of your application you will be requested to complete an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) survey. This survey is part of our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. The information you provide is voluntary and confidential. Completing the survey helps us track our progress in creating a fair and equitable environment. This data is used for reporting purposes only. Please note, the identities presented in the survey reflect federal language required by law. The Innocence Project acknowledges that not all identities are included and any reference to gender explicitly refers to biological sex. We recognize these terms are limited and we strive to humanize our internal practices. Your completion of the survey is greatly appreciated.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please click 'Apply for this Job' below. Upload a resume titled with your name in this format (last name_first name_resume). In the space provided, add a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization's work. Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential.

The Innocence Project is currently hiring two Paralegals on the Post-Conviction Litigation team, one of which will work with the PCL Clinic. If you are interested in both roles, please submit an application to each posting on our website. We recognize this is a redundant process. Due to the significant differences between the roles, our team must consider applications separately to assess the needs for each position.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please submit your application by 5:00pm EDT on Friday, 5/1/26.

At the Innocence Project, we believe in recognizing talent and passion beyond formal educational qualifications. We are committed to considering a broad array of candidates with a range of professional and lived experiences and backgrounds. We know that transferable skills can be gained through a variety of ways that could enable a candidate to be successful in a role, not just formal education. For this position, if you have at least 4 years of experience in this or a related field, we encourage you to apply regardless of your educational background. So, whether you're returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to transition to a new career path, or taking the next step in your professional life, we encourage you to apply if you have additional experience in lieu of the posted educational requirements

SALARY RANGE

$33.85 - $38.46 per hour (equivalent to $70,400 - $80,000 annually). Salary commensurate with experience. This position is overtime eligible.

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Paralegal, Post-Conviction Litigation (PCL Clinic)