What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Attorney / Senior Staff Attorney position at Los Angeles Innocence Project?
Location: Remote with travel; option to use Los Angeles office
Salary Range: Highly competitive salary, depending on experience
Benefits: Health and dental insurance reimbursement, retirement plan, unlimited PTO, professional development support
About the Organization
The Los Angeles Innocence Project (LAIP) is a nonprofit legal organization dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals and seeking justice for those who are wrongfully incarcerated, as well as advocating for systemic reforms to prevent future injustices. Our work includes direct representation, and policy advocacy. LAIP’s unique partnership with the California Forensic Science Institute at California State University Los Angeles allows us to collaborate with exceptional criminalists and graduate students.
Position Overview
The Staff Attorney will play a critical role in investigating and litigating post-conviction innocence claims, as well as exploring non-litigation means to achieve post-conviction relief if appropriate. This includes, but is not limited to, investigating and litigating a case from inception to resolution, including investigation, preparing and litigating habeas corpus petitions, and evidentiary hearings. The Staff Attorney is also expected to participate in LAIP’s policy reform and fundraising efforts. The Staff Attorney will work collaboratively with LAIP staff, investigators, experts, and external partners, and must be committed to client-centered advocacy and social justice.
Key Responsibilities
- Investigate and litigate post-conviction cases, including drafting motions, briefs, and petitions.
- Litigate claims based on ineffective assistance of counsel, prosecutorial misconduct, false evidence, DNA testing, and newly discovered evidence.
- Conduct prison visits, court appearances, and witness interviews.
- Work with forensic experts and investigators to support case development and client needs.
- Meet with representatives from prosecutorial agencies to discuss informal resolution of post-conviction discovery requests, DNA motions, and claims of innocence.
- Evaluate new applications for assistance and investigate innocence claims.
- Support grant-funded initiatives, including reporting and coordination with partners.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Active bar membership in California (or eligibility for admission within 3 months).
- Minimum 2–3 years of practice for Staff Attorney position; 5–7 years of practice for Senior Staff Attorney position
- At least 1–2 years of experience in habeas corpus litigation and post-conviction work required; criminal defense and similar experience is a plus.
- Ability and willingness to travel on a regular basis for in-person meetings, conferences, prison visits, etc.
Key Competencies
- Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
- Strong factual research and investigative background.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Familiarity with forensic science and criminal justice reform.
- Client-centered approach and empathy.
To Apply
Please submit the following materials as one combined PDF via email to admin@innocencela.org, with "Staff Attorney Application" or "Senior Staff Attorney Application" in the subject line:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Writing sample
- Contact information for three professional references
Equal Opportunity Statement
We strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds and those with lived experience relevant to our mission to apply. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, age, national origin, disability, former incarceration status, or veteran status.
https://www.innocencela.org/openings