Rocky Mountain Innocence Center - Full-time Staff Attorney Position
General Job Description
Rocky Mountain Innocence Center (RMIC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was founded in 2000 to correct and prevent the wrongful conviction of innocent people in Utah, Wyoming, and Nevada. We advocate for systemic reforms to improve our justice system and to create meaningful opportunities for the wrongfully convicted to prove their innocence and to receive compensation for their time spent behind bars. We are currently seeking a Staff Attorney for our office in downtown Salt Lake City. The Staff Attorney will report to the Managing Attorney and perform the duties outlined below:
Summary of Duties:
Case Screening: Oversee and assist with case screening. Responsible for the intake of all requests for assistance, responding in an appropriate manner, and logging all correspondence between potential clients and RMIC into our case database.
Case Investigation: Perform actual investigation, including, but not limited to, locating witnesses and physical evidence; obtaining, often through litigation, case files and evidence in the possession of law enforcement and other state agencies; securing witness statements; and assisting law students and private investigators in their fact-development efforts. Be available for case and investigation travel for a minimum of six weeks per year for up to five days at a time.
Litigation: Conduct research and writing relating to anticipated and actual litigation. Co-counsel cases in litigation with outside counsel. Investigate witnesses, draft and file briefs, communicate with co-counsel, and attend court appearances. All written documents must be approved by the Managing Attorney. This position also requires client visits in prison.
Volunteer Management and Supervision: Assist with the recruitment, training, and management of volunteers who are assisting RMIC.
Record Keeping: Develop and maintain internal files on all cases in investigation and litigation and update our database accordingly.
Create and maintain electronic files for all cases currently in investigation and litigation.
Coordinate and organize document production.
Conduct various document searches and factual research, including all past materials related to client convictions.
Experience Required: All candidates must have a law degree and be licensed and in good standing with the Utah, Wyoming, and/or Nevada Bar. A minimum of three years of legal experience, preferably in criminal and/or civil litigation. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Excellent organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to take initiative and manage a variety of projects, while also collaborating well with others in a small, firm-type setting and outside organizations.
Experience Preferred: The ideal candidate will have knowledge and understanding of post-conviction investigation and litigation and all statutes relevant to innocence work.
Terms: This is a full-time, salaried position and is available immediately. The Staff Attorney shall not engage in any outside or additional employment during the duration of employment with RMIC.
Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the Staff Attorney position.
If you are interested, please email your cover letter, resume, and three professional references to:
Jennifer Springer, Managing Attorney
jspringer@rminnocence.org