Description:
The Supervising Staff Attorney will work with students to investigate, evaluate and litigate claims of wrongful conviction and/or innocence. This is a full-time staff position. The Supervising Staff Attorney will be responsible for case investigation and litigation, student supervision and mentorship, assisting with legislative advocacy and strategy, and public and professional education.The position involves investigating and litigating both new and existing Loyola Project for the Innocent cases. Counsel will be responsible for developing and implementing investigation plans and litigation strategies, which often includes compiling case records, evaluating police reports and other crucial case documents, locating and interviewing witnesses, and drafting witness statements.
Position Specific Responsibilities/Accountabilities
Investigate and litigate cases on behalf of the clinic. The Supervising Staff Attorney will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing investigation plans and litigation strategies, which often includes compiling case records, evaluating police reports and other crucial case documents, locating and interviewing witnesses, and drafting witness statements. The supervising attorney will be responsible for drafting legal memoranda, motions, petitions for writs of habeas corpus and other legal documents, and participate in evidentiary hearings and court appearances throughout Southern California. The Supervising Staff Attorney will maintain attorney client relationships in accordance with the rules of professional responsibility applicable to attorneys practicing in California.
The Supervising Staff Attorney will assist in supervising LPI students, including by holding weekly meetings with the clinic law students and provide constructive, timely, and specific feedback on all legal work.
The Supervising Staff Attorney will work with the Director(s) to identify annual legislative priorities, participate in the drafting of legislation, fact sheets, testimony, op-eds, or other advocacy materials. The Supervising Staff Attorney may also be asked to conduct presentations for the professional community and/or the public and participate in other LPI-hosted events.
Some travel is required for case investigation and client meetings. The Law School reserves the right to add or change duties at any time. There will be other required duties as assigned.
Perform other related duties.
Requisite Qualifications
Investigate and litigate cases on behalf of the clinic. The Supervising Staff Attorney will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing investigation plans and litigation strategies, which often includes compiling case records, evaluating police reports and other crucial case documents, locating and interviewing witnesses, and drafting witness statements. The supervising attorney will be responsible for drafting legal memoranda, motions, petitions for writs of habeas corpus and other legal documents, and participate in evidentiary hearings and court appearances throughout Southern California. The Supervising Staff Attorney will maintain attorney client relationships in accordance with the rules of professional responsibility applicable to attorneys practicing in California.
The Supervising Staff Attorney will assist in supervising LPI students, including by holding weekly meetings with the clinic law students and provide constructive, timely, and specific feedback on all legal work.
The Supervising Staff Attorney will work with the Director(s) to identify annual legislative priorities, participate in the drafting of legislation, fact sheets, testimony, op-eds, or other advocacy materials. The Supervising Staff Attorney may also be asked to conduct presentations for the professional community and/or the public and participate in other LPI-hosted events.
Some travel is required for case investigation and client meetings. The Law School reserves the right to add or change duties at any time. There will be other required duties as assigned.
Perform other related duties.
Requisite Qualifications
- Licensed to practice law in the state of California for a minimum of two years to be eligible to supervise students.
- Minimum five years' relevant law practice experience, including experience in post-conviction litigation. Experience in clinical program during law school may be considered.
- Ability to work collaboratively and handle multiple demands in a busy work environment while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and discretion.
- Strong case management, legal research, and writing skills.
- Must be able to work with a diverse group of constituencies from different culture, geographic and economic backgrounds, including individuals with criminal history and history of severe trauma.
- Professionalism is paramount, including an ability to manage multiple tasks, work independently, and seek guidance when appropriate.
- The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.
