The Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights seeks a highly-motivated professional to work with the Campaign to End Extreme Sentences for Youth. The Post-Conviction Counsel will directly represent children who have been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole on their post-conviction claims.
Counsel will manage all aspects of representation, including supervision of fact and mitigation investigation. Counsel will serve as a consultant and expert, where needed, for defense teams across Louisiana representing children facing excessive sentences.
This is an opportunity for an individual to play an integral role in both the direct defense of children who have been sentenced to die in prison and the greater litigation and advocacy efforts to end these kinds of extreme sentences. Strong candidates will have experience in post-conviction litigation and mitigation investigation; substantive knowledge of adolescent development and the jurisprudence surrounding children in the adult justice system; a demonstrated commitment to juvenile justice and criminal justice reform; strong oral advocacy skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a range of people.
For a full position description, please visit: http://www.laccr.org/who-we-are/employment-internships-volunteering/
• A Juris Doctorate with current good standing to practice law;
• If not barred in Louisiana, must take and pass the Louisiana bar subsequent to hiring;
• Post-Conviction litigation experience preferred;
• Strong issue spotting and research and writing skills;
• Courtroom experience and strong oral advocacy skills;
• Substantive knowledge of adolescent psychology, adolescent development, and other areas of knowledge important for effective advocacy on behalf of youth;
• Deep and demonstrated commitment to the people whom LCCR serves and to the transformation of the criminal justice system into one that is fair, compassionate, and supportive of positive youth development;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to write persuasively and clearly, the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, and the ability to build strong partnerships and coalitions;
• Ability and desire to work as part of a team;
• Strong work ethic and willingness to work late hours and/or weekends when circumstances demand it.
Applicants must submit: (1) a cover letter; (2) a resume or C.V.; (3) a sample redacted legal brief, pleading, or motion; and (4) a list of three professional references, including the name, telephone number, and e-mail address of each.
Please do not call with inquiries. All submissions must be made via email to [email protected]. Please place “Post-Conviction Counsel” in the subject line of emailed submissions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until January 9, 2018.