The Forensic Project (Austin, Texas) is a non-profit post-conviction law office that reviews felony convictions that rely in part on DNA evidence tested by the Austin Police Department (APD) DNA Lab. The APD DNA lab was shut down in July of 2016 after the Texas Forensic Science Commission issued a report raising serious quality concerns with the lab’s work. The Forensic Project was funded by Inter-Local Agreement between the City of Austin and Travis County in March of 2017. The Forensic Project is charged with: 1) conducting DNA materiality reviews in cases where the person convicted has requested such a review following receipt of a Brady notice; 2) submitting cases for expert scientific review of DNA test results; and 3) providing post-conviction representation to clients who have been impacted by issues at the APD DNA lab and/or by problematic DNA mixture calculations. It is expected that the project will be funded for a total of 3 to 5 years.
The Forensic Project is also seeking candidates for a Staff Attorney position. The Staff Attorney would review conviction records and conduct investigations to determine whether the DNA evidence in a case was material to the conviction. The Staff Attorney will also provide post-conviction representation—to include applications for writ of habeas corpus and motions for forensic DNA testing—to clients who were affected by issues in the APD DNA lab or whose APD DNA mixture statistical calculations have changed significantly since the time of conviction. The ideal candidate would be a highly organized and self-directed individual with criminal defense/innocence project/post-conviction experience and a demonstrated commitment to excellent, client-centered representation.
Responsibilities:
• Review cases to identify possible wrongful convictions and be prepared to conference them in a team setting;
• Identify and prioritize cases for collaborative expert review of DNA evidence;
• Travel to meet with clients and conduct investigations across Texas;
• Investigate, craft and litigate claims based on issues with DNA evidence as well as all other claims cognizable on habeas corpus review for those clients with cognizable DNA issues in their cases;
• Keep clients updated on the progress of their materiality review and/or litigation;
• Maintain highest standards of advocacy, professional responsibility, client-centered representation and best practices in all areas of post-conviction review and representation;
• Keep abreast of legal opinions, legislative updates, forensic science developments and evolving best practices and legal ethics in post-conviction innocence and wrongful conviction review, investigation and litigation;
• Document and track time spent on casework and other duties.
• Licensed attorney in the State of Texas by start date preferred; attorneys needing to waive into or take the Texas bar may be considered depending on the needs of the project;
• Minimum of two years of criminal defense/post-conviction/innocence work experience or its equivalent preferred but not required (will consider clinical and clerkship experience);
• Demonstrated commitment to client-centered indigent defense;
• Experience evaluating felony cases for the weight of the evidence;
• Experience in criminal defense/post-conviction/innocence investigations, including knowledge of national standards for defense investigation;
• Familiarity with national and state indigent defense best practice standards;
• Demonstrated high quality research and writing skills;
• Demonstrated diligence and initiative to set and accomplish goals and meet deadlines;
• Ability to function well in a team-based setting;
• Experience working with diverse populations;
• Experience managing and prioritizing a high volume of cases;
• Courtroom experience; the ability to negotiate and litigate motions without supervision;
• Knowledge of Texas habeas law and practice preferred;
• Knowledge of DNA and other forensic disciplines, exhibited through either trial experience, appellate/writ experience, or courses taken preferred;
• Fluency in Spanish preferred.
To apply, please email Ira Davis at [email protected]. Please include in one document a cover letter, resume, writing sample and professional references. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. We will be accepting applications until the position is filled but priority will be given to applicants who submit their applications by November 16, 2018.