Description:

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at A Public Land-Grant Research University, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at A Public Land-Grant Research University, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

At A Public Land-Grant Research University, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on A Public Land-Grant Research University campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities.

A Public Land-Grant Research University's School of Law is one of the nation's great centers for legal education, ever exploring and pushing new intellectual boundaries while tackling urgent, real-world issues. The law school is also known for its vibrant and engaged community of students and scholars who are committed to providing leadership and making a difference on problems of local, national and global import. Currently ranked among the top law schools in the country, the School of Law has ambitious development goals as it looks to continue producing leaders in law, government, and society.

Criminal Law & Justice Center is a hub for research, education and advocacy. Blending a data-driven approach with zealous advocacy, the center offers empirical insights into the intricacies of the legal system and policy outcomes. We harness the wealth of perspectives, experiences and expertise that our students and faculty bring to bridge the gap between scholarship and real-world impact.

This is a staff attorney for the Criminal Law & Justice Center to support substantive legal work on behalf of the Center. This position exists because the Center engages in a wide range of legal research and advocacy that requires dedicated attorneys with civil and criminal experience. The attorney may work on amicus briefs, direct services work, impact litigation, delivering on MOUs with government agencies, providing legal guidance to community partners and coalitions, and more.

The candidate will need to be licensed to practice law in California. The ideal candidate will have criminal and civil litigation experience. The attorney will be expected to help research, draft, and file amicus briefs on a wide range of criminal justice related topics. The attorney will be expected to be able to review complex criminal case files, make appearances in court, help research, draft, and argue pleadings, and interact with individual, government, or organizational clients. The attorney will be expected to work well in broad, diverse coalitions that may include law firms, other universities, community-based organizations and more.

Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: Thursday, April 4, 2024

Responsibilities:

Supports Center cases and projects at the direction of the Executive Director.
Conducts legal research and writing on cases and projects that fall within the scope and focus of the Criminal Law & Justice Center.
Drafts and files amicus briefs, motions and other materials on a wide range of criminal justice related topics.
Mentors and works with student intern researchers to provide feedback and manage projects.
Consults with coalition partners to meet litigation filing deadlines, and offer legal services or trainings consistent with negotiated agreements or joint grants.
Meets and consults with potential clients to file amicus briefs, offer advice memos, or training materials.
Liaises with Center partners and/or other stakeholders as necessary in order to gather information necessary to move litigation or policy projects forward.
Assists with case investigation and development by:
Makes court appearances as needed.
Performs additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Advanced knowledge in criminal law and practice.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and influence, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.
Advanced project management and organizational skills.
Experience practicing criminal (litigation and or legislation/policy).
Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
Advanced analytical / problem-solving skills.
Proven abilities in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking.
Thorough understanding of complex legal issues.
In-depth research skills to draft accurate, complete and persuasive legal documents, such as pleadings, legal responses, affidavits, position statements and briefs.
Demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical standards.
Strong attention to detail.
Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and ability to apply and integrate core concepts of DEIB into everyday practice.
Commitment to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included.
Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community.

Education/Training: