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 now entering the post-conviction litigation phase of the project and is seeking a Post-Conviction Litigation Specialist or a Post-Conviction Attorney, depending on qualifications and experience. The Post-Conviction Litigation Specialist / Attorney would 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 an experienced post-conviction attorney with a demonstrated commitment to excellent, client-centered representation.
Responsibilities:
• Lead investigations and 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;
• Effectively manage all stages of post-conviction litigation as lead counsel, to include: research, investigation, expert contracting and consultation, drafting, exhibit preparation, negotiation and courtroom advocacy;
• Maintain highest standards of advocacy, professional responsibility, client-centered representation and best practices in all areas of post-conviction 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;
• Assist with post-conviction litigation and investigation training and mentorship for Forensic Project attorneys, investigators, pro bono partners and legal interns/fellows on skills necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the project;
• Maintain a partial caseload of materiality review cases as the needs of the project require.
• Licensed attorney in the State of Texas, or ability to waive into the Texas Bar;
• Two years of post-conviction habeas litigation experience or its equivalent;
• Demonstrated commitment to client-centered indigent defense;
• Experience litigating forensic issues;
• Experience in post-conviction/innocence investigation, 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;
• Knowledge of Texas habeas law and practice or a commitment to getting up to speed by start date.
Preferred:
• Five years of post-conviction litigation experience and a total of ten years of criminal law experience;
• Advanced knowledge of DNA and other forensic disciplines, exhibited through either trial experience, appellate/writ experience, or courses taken;
• Sufficient post-conviction litigation and mentorship experience to serve as a resource;
• Experience managing and prioritizing a high volume of cases;
• Fluency in Spanish.
To apply, please email Ira Davis at [email protected]. Please include in one document a cover letter, resume, professional references and two relevant writing samples. 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.