Closing Date: 4th May, 2024
Description:
How you'll fit in:The legal fellow will assist in researching policies in each of the 50 states dealing with collateral consequences of conviction and mechanisms to mitigate their impact. The fellow will also provide support to senior staff in identifying and analyzing national best practices and support the advancement of state policies that promote expanded access to opportunities for people with criminal histories.
The legal fellow's responsibilities include researching policies related to collateral consequences and criminal record clearance in all U.S. jurisdictions; gathering relevant laws and policies; conducting statutory analysis for a large volume of legislative and regulatory data; summarizing relevant policies into user-friendly language; and assisting senior staff in developing materials and engaging policymakers to conduct technical assistance to states. This position will be a one-year commitment with the possibility of an additional year based on funding.
What You'll Do:
Specific responsibilities of the Legal Fellow include the following:
- Gather, review, and analyze state policies relating to collateral consequences and other restrictions that affect people with criminal records.
- Gather, review, and analyze state policies relating to criminal record clearance and other policies that mitigate the impact of a criminal record.
- Strategize with senior staff on ways to promote policies that increase access to opportunities for people with criminal records.
- Provide administrative support to senior staff for state-based technical assistance.
- Ensure that senior staff and other colleagues are aware of relevant project developments.
- Participate actively in staff discussions and strategic planning meetings.
- Develop/expand a knowledge base on collateral consequences and the impact of a criminal record on employment, housing, and other areas of civilian life.
What you'll bring:
- Ability to interact effectively with diverse people in different contexts and foster equity and inclusion through self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and valuing others
- Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG Justice Center duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds
- JD, no bar admission needed, or MA in public policy, government, or equivalent
- At least one year of work experience, in the field of criminal justice or state policy
- Ability to conduct statutory research and translate information into user-friendly language
- Excellent organization skills and great attention to detail
- Ability to engage with high-level policymakers and stakeholders
- Strong oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively present complex information in a concise and accessible way
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to work independently and in a team setting
- Ability to quickly prioritize competing deadlines and confidently manage workload
- Reliable and secure internet/data connection and flexibility for using a personal device for internet connectivity during business travel. A cost offset is provided by CSG