Closing Date: 12th October, 2026
Description:
About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at http://www.uis.edu.Application deadline: 10/12/2026
Minimum Starting Salary: $80,000 annually
Summary:
Reporting to the Legal Director of the Illinois Innocence Project, the Staff & Intake Attorney will oversee the IIP case intake team and process and provide direct case representation, including overseeing file and case reviews, investigations, expert analysis, and litigation on behalf of IIP clients. This position is based in Springfield, IL.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Oversee the IIP case intake team and the referral of promising cases to the evaluation team; in collaboration with IIP staff, audit current case evaluation processes; oversee the development and implementation of new and/or revised processes to improve the evaluation of and response to applications for assistance according to IIP case acceptance standards.
- Assist the legal team in the management of case investigative efforts, including following up on case reviews and selection; interviewing and visiting inmates and witnesses; retrieving and analyzing pertinent case information; and working with and reviewing the work product of student interns.
- Take necessary legal actions on behalf of clients, such as the drafting of motions and other legal documents to be submitted to the court and appearing in court on behalf of clients.
- Participate in case review and case selection with IIP staff and student interns. Present case closings to IIP Legal Director.
- Make public and private presentations about the work of the Illinois Innocence Project.
- Manage intake and case data for purposes of fulfilling grant reporting requirements and other measurable goals.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois.
- Experience in or demonstrated knowledge and interest in wrongful convictions, post-conviction law, and/or criminal law.
- Experience evaluating claims for assistance and/or communication with indigent and incarcerated clients.
- Experience working on teams specifically involving undergraduate and/or law students.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Litigation experience in post-conviction and/or criminal defense.
- Prior experience representing wrongfully convicted individuals or other marginalized communities.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Understanding of and commitment to the mission and programs of the Illinois Innocence Project and to issues of criminal justice.
- Ability to participate productively on multidisciplinary project teams made up of faculty, staff, undergraduate and law students, attorneys, investigators, experts, law enforcement, and prosecutors
- Strong interpersonal skills and evidence of ability to deal with external constituencies
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability and willingness to travel (with a valid driver's license) frequently within Illinois and occasionally out of state. Regular travel around the state is required.
- Ability to work efficiently from a remote location as dictated by health or other requirements, and/or for part of the week
Physical Demands:
- Sitting : Frequently
- Talking : Frequently
- Hearing : Frequently
Working Conditions:
Atmospheric Conditions : Occasionally
Travel Requirements:
50% Regular travel within Illinois is required. Must possess a valid driver's license.
