The Tennessee Innocence Project Staff Attorney – West Tennessee (Memphis) - Now Hiring

Staff Attorney – West Tennessee

Position type: Full-time, salaried, exempt

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Benefits: Generous time off, professional development, health care insurance, short-term/long-term disability insurance, and flexible work schedule

The Tennessee Innocence Project (“TIP”) is a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating and litigating claims of actual innocence made by individuals convicted in Tennessee. TIP litigates wrongful conviction cases to obtain exonerations, trains law students and attorneys about how to litigate those cases and prevent future wrongful convictions, and effectuates changes to facilitate the discovery of wrongful convictions and provide remedies.

We are seeking a full-time Staff Attorney to assist in investigating and litigating Tennessee cases as described below. This position is based in Memphis, Tennessee. The Staff Attorney reports directly to the Executive Director.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As co-counsel with TIP’s legal team, this attorney will represent clients claiming actual innocence in post-conviction matters in state court to achieve: (1) a vacated conviction or sentence; (2) dismissal of all charges, and (3) release from prison. This position is multi-faceted and includes the following:

Investigate and oversee investigations into post-conviction innocence claims in Tennessee,

Collaborate with TIP’s pro bono partners on application intake review and active cases,

Draft and litigate motions for access to evidence and DNA testing,

Litigate post-conviction innocence claims to utilize DNA testing or other newly discovered evidence in state court, federal court, and/or relevant administrative bodies,

Work with expert witnesses, including DNA testing, medical experts, and forensic science experts,

Review case records (trial and appellate records, police and lab reports, prosecutor files) to understand and assess the factual and procedural history, generating extensive work product documents and memos in the process,

Identify and take steps necessary to uncover and analyze any new evidence of innocence,

Communicate with clients, defense attorneys, prosecutors, witnesses, private investigators, experts, and others,

Supervise law student interns and externs,

Give talks and presentations on casework and law, as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

· Admission to the Tennessee Bar required

· Ability to travel throughout Tennessee required,

· Forensic science background preferred.

KEY COMPETENCIES

· An understanding of Tennessee’s post-conviction remedies,

· An understanding of, and dedication to, indigent defense and TIP’s mission,

· Strong organizational and time management skills,

· Excellent written and oral communication skills,

· Experience conducting oral arguments and evidentiary hearings,

· Experience preparing briefs in state and federal courts,

· Detailed and process-oriented,

· Ability to analyze cases with strategic and creative thinking,

· Ability to work in a collaborative, team-based environment.

The Tennessee Innocence Project is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly value a diverse workforce and inclusive culture for all employees.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should e-mail as attachments a cover letter, resume, three references, and a writing sample (maximum 30 pages) to Aubrey Garrido at Aubrey@tninnocence.org. Include “Staff Attorney” in the subject line of your email. Individuals selected for an interview will be contacted directly. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.

The Tennessee Innocence Project is an equal opportunity employer.

Deadline: The position will remain open until filled with a projected start date in Summer 2022.

Powered by JazzHR

EegAMPNnap