The Georgia Innocence Project (GIP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing pro bono legal services to people convicted in Georgia of crimes they did not commit. GIP works to free and exonerate people wrongfully convicted of serious crimes in Georgia, to prevent future wrongful convictions through education and policy reform, and to connect freed clients with resources to rebuild their lives.
We are seeking a full-time Staff Attorney to assist in investigating and litigating Georgia cases as described below. This position is based in our office in Atlanta, and will require travel throughout Georgia. (Due to COVID-19, office staff are currently working remotely from home, though in-office time and/or travel may occasionally be necessary depending on case demands.) The Staff Attorney reports directly to GIP’s Senior Attorney and will be expected to work both independently and collaboratively with the litigation team.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Analyze cases to identify factually innocent clients and potential avenues of legal relief
- Investigate and oversee investigations into post-conviction innocence claims in Georgia
- Gather and review entire case records (trial and appellate records, police and lab reports, prosecutor and DOC files) to understand and assess the factual and procedural history, generating extensive work product documents and memos in the process
- Identify and take steps necessary to uncover and analyze any new evidence of innocence
- Consult with experts in various fields
- Develop and implement legal strategies for overturning wrongful convictions of clients in collaboration with litigation team
- Draft and litigate motions for access to evidence and DNA testing
- Litigate post-conviction innocence claims using DNA testing or other newly discovered evidence in state court, federal court and/or relevant administrative bodies
- Supervise law student interns, as needed
- Represent GIP in communications with clients, defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, law enforcement, witnesses, and the community, which may include giving talks and presentations on case work and law, as appropriate
- Collaborate with GIP staff about other GIP initiatives, as requested, to provide a legal perspective and to update staff on the status of cases
- Collaborate with other legal team members and GIP staff to contribute to the overall functioning and success of the legal team and the organization
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Admission to the Georgia State Bar required
- 7+ years criminal trial, appellate, and/or post-conviction litigation experience strongly preferred
- Valid driver’s license and ability to drive and travel extensively throughout Georgia required
- Knowledge of forensic science disciplines is a plus
KEY REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
- An understanding of and dedication to indigent defense and GIP’s mission
- Willingness to give and receive constructive feedback in a respectful manner
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Self-starter, curious and dogged
- Detail and process oriented
- Skilled at developing and advancing the big-picture plan for case progression
- Ability to tackle large-scale projects and break them down into manageable tasks and goals
- Recognizing the value of being a team player
- No job is too big or too small
Interested applicants should fill out an application at: https://bit.ly/gip-hiring and upload the following PDF attachments: a cover letter, resume, three references, and a writing sample (maximum 20 pages). Individuals selected for an interview will be contacted directly. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.