The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice. The Post-Conviction Litigation department works to exonerate wrongly convicted people nationwide based on evidence of actual innocence.
The Post-Conviction Litigation Fellow is a fully funded two-year fellowship (including robust benefits) for lawyers with exceptional advocacy skills. The Fellow works directly with attorneys in the department to reinvestigate and litigate actual innocence claims, typically involving ineffective assistance of counsel, prosecutorial misconduct, false evidence, incentivized testimony, and newly discovered evidence such as new DNA testing. Fellows are involved in all aspects of post-conviction innocence litigation, including fact-finding, working with experts and investigators, and litigating in trial and appellate courts.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in drafting litigation strategy
- Assist in post-conviction factual re-investigations
- Write motions and briefs, including motions for access to DNA testing and motions for relief from conviction
- Conduct legal research
- Communicate with clients and family members regarding cases
- Prepare for and participate in evidentiary hearings
Qualifications:
- Graduation from an accredited law school prior to the start date (September 2027)
- Admitted to a state bar, awaiting bar exam results or admission, or prepared to sit for the next scheduled state bar examination
- Demonstrated interest in indigent defense, racial justice, and innocence work
- Strong legal research, persuasive writing, and oral advocacy skills
- Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. (visa sponsorship is not available)
Work arrangement: hybrid, with three in-office days per week at the New York office, about 40 hours per week plus evening and weekend work as needed, and routine travel to visit clients, investigate cases, and appear in court. Salary is $93,000+ annually, with benefits including paid health, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) with 6% employer match, paid family and medical leave, generous paid time off, and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
HOW TO APPLY:
Click 'Apply for this Job' on the Workable posting. Upload a resume titled with your name (last name_first name_resume) and add a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization's work. Only applications with cover letters are considered complete.