Who We Are
The Office of the Los Angeles Independent Defender Program (IDP) at the Los Angeles County Bar Association is accepting applications for a post‐conviction resource attorney. The IDP is a nationally recognized, award‐winning program of the Los Angeles County Bar Association providing oversight and legal support for appointed counsel who represent adults and youth charged with crimes in Los Angeles County. In response to wide‐ranging changes in California law impacting the sentences of thousands of criminal defendants, the IDP is creating a legal team to coordinate and assist attorneys appointed to represent clients in a post‐conviction posture.
Summary and Responsibilities
The IDP Post‐Conviction Resource Attorney consults with and provides technical assistance to panel attorneys handling resentencing and post‐ conviction matters. In this supporting role, the Resource Attorney stays abreast of rapidly changing California resentencing laws. The attorney will develop sample pleadings and template briefing on relevant issues for use by panel attorneys, disseminate updates to panel attorneys on relevant legal developments and assist with litigation. They will work with the Post-Conviction Coordinating attorney to develop and present trainings to panel attorneys on legal developments as well best practices in post-conviction representation. Additionally, the Resource attorney will develop ancillary resources for panel attorney necessary to effective post-conviction advocacy, such as lists of vetted experts, support in dealing with CDCR systems/records, and connections/coordination with reentry programs and planning. Beyond individual litigation support, the Resource Attorney may also engage in direct representation of conflicts post-conviction cases as needed carrying his/her/their own limited caseload of post-conviction matters.
Qualifications
• JD from an ABA accredited law school and 2 or more years of criminal defense experience,
• Demonstrated excellence as an advocate with strong research, oral, and written communication skills,
• Understanding of California resentencing reforms or ability to quickly learn this area of the law, including but not limited to SB 1437/775, SB 483, AB 1540 and the attendant changes to the relevant Penal Code sections and case law.
Applicants whose professional experience do not exactly match the desired qualifications, or applicants with a unique combination of experience are still encouraged to apply.
Who You Are
Successful candidates will be energetic, self-starters who work well in a team environment with an interest in social justice and/or criminal justice reform. Successful candidates must be familiar with Adobe, the Microsoft Office suite, particularly Word and Excel.
Experience with and knowledge of immigration law is highly valued, but not required. Spanish fluency is also strongly preferred, but not required.
Workplace Environment
IDP is currently employing a hybrid work model. The Post-Conviction Coordinating Attorney will be required to travel on-site to our office located in downtown Los Angeles.
To Apply
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. To apply, email a resume, writing sample and cover letter to [email protected]. Include “IDP Post-Conviction Resource Attorney Application” in the subject line. For more information about the IDP, please go to: www.lacba.org/idp.
Salary and Benefits Package
Salary parameters are low to mid $100,000.00 range, depending on qualifications and we provide a comprehensive employee benefits package. The deadline for applications is May 6, 2022.
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