Staff Attorney I

The Innocence and Justice Clinic (IJC), a clinical program of California Western School of Law (CWSL), seeks an attorney to focus on investigation and litigation of post-conviction claims of innocence. IJC provides high-caliber representation to individuals who are wrongfully convicted with a goal of securing their release from prison. Through this representation, IJC trains the next generation of attorneys, giving them hands-on experience so they learn to be zealous advocates. IJC uses innocence cases as a lens to illuminate the myriad problems within our criminal legal system, with the hope that we can work towards a system that is more just.

This is a full-time position, reporting to the Executive Director of California Western Innocence and Justice Clinic. As Staff Attorney, responsibilities include: investigating potential clients’ claims of innocence and litigating those claims, training law students and volunteers and supervising their work on IJC cases, screening applications for legal assistance from incarcerated individuals. The staff attorney will not be permitted to take on additional legal work outside of IJC responsibilities without advanced approval from the Executive Director.

Primary Responsibilities (includes but not limited to):

• Investigate and litigate cases on behalf of IJC clients.
• Review and evaluate ongoing IJC cases.
• Understand and analyze complex legal proceedings.
• Develop investigation and litigation strategies.
• Work with experts to develop litigation strategies and maintain familiarity with relevant areas of expertise, such as DNA analysis and other forensic sciences. 
• Draft legal memoranda, motions, petitions for writs of habeas corpus, and other legal documents.
• Participate in evidentiary hearings and make court appearances throughout Southern California.
• Conduct oral arguments before trial and appellate courts.
• Develop reentry plans for clients and facilitate reentry for recently released clients.
• Evaluate applications for legal services received by IJC to make case selection determinations.
• Investigate potential IJC cases.
• Supervise law students on IJC case work.
  1. Provide appropriate feedback and support to assigned students on a regular basis.
  2. Facilitate weekly supervisory meetings with students on assigned cases.
  3. Engage in multiple rounds of drafting of legal pleadings with law students and volunteers.
  4. Oversee students’ case investigations.
  5. Edit legal writing and correspondence.
  6. Assist students on prison visits.
  7. Assist students in class presentations and participation.
  8. Teach or co-teach clinic classes.
• Work with pro bono attorneys and law student volunteers.
  1. Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic plan to use volunteer resources to support IJC case work.
  2. Develop and facilitate trainings for volunteers.
  3. Supervise volunteer law student and pro bono attorney work on IJC case work. 
• Engage in community outreach efforts.
  1. Educate the public about the work of IJC and systemic problems within the criminal legal system.
  2. Develop legislative advocacy priorities and participatory defense strategies.
  3. Interface with CDCR staff to build informational presence in prison law libraries.
  4. Support coalition building within criminal legal community.
• Keep abreast of changes in law, policy, and forensic science that could impact IJC’s work.
• Contribute to a welcoming, cooperative, and inclusive work environment.
• Adhere to department’s budget policies and procedures.
• Suggest strategies to promote productivity and service.
• Attend law school functions as the representative of the department.
• Travel to regional and national events as needed.
• Comply with CWSL Travel Policy and related expense reporting.
• Work with appropriate level of assistance, instruction and supervision.
• Proactively advise the Associate Director of project status, potential issues and overall progress.
• Perform, with team approach, other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate, member of California Bar in good standing, and interest and experience in the practice of post-conviction criminal law.
• Minimum of (3) years of trial and/or appellate experience in criminal defense, post-conviction litigation, or other criminal litigation.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills are essential.
• Proficient at managing multiple priorities.
• Experience in higher education or teaching is beneficial.
• Preference for applicants who are proficient or fluent in Spanish.
• Requires strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, and strong advocacy skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience working with a diverse client population, experience teaching or supervising students or attorneys, and a commitment to social justice.
• Applicants should possess a client-centered and trauma-informed approach to lawyering.
• Must be able to travel throughout the state with occasional out of state travel.
• Requires the ability to work on weekends and some evenings.
• Daily access to a reliable vehicle, obtain and maintain a valid California driver’s license and personal vehicle insurance acknowledging the vehicle is used for employee’s work purposes.  Must maintain a clean driving record.

Computer Skills:

• Highly proficient with MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook.
• General Internet skills are essential.
• Proficient with Adobe Pro and Canva. 
• Highly proficient with legal research databases such as Westlaw and Lexis/Nexis.
• Experience with CLIO or other case management software required.
• Aptitude for learning new technology.
• Willingness to explore AI technologies.

Compensation: $90,000.00 - $105,000.00 Annual Salary

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for this role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The higher end of the range will be considered for well qualified candidates. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the law school reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the law school anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity and budget.

The law school offers competitive benefits for eligible employees, including, but not limited to:

• Generous employer contribution for Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (depending on which plan/level the employee elects). 
• 403 (b) Employer Retirement contribution of 8% (up to 8k per year) Fully and immediately vested.
• Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance.
• Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Plan.
• Reduced Summer Work Schedule (paid).
• Paid Winter Break (week of x-mas through new year)
• Additional 10+ Paid Holidays
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Wellness Programs

Perks:

• Little Italy/Downtown location for convenient access to great restaurants and after-hour activities.
• Free on-campus parking facilities provided.
• Employee engagement events held both virtually and on-campus.
• On-Campus Convenience Store.
• Complimentary bottomless Specialty Coffee.
• Use of on-campus Law Library facilities.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis through February 28, 2025.

Resume, Cover Letter, 2 Professional References and Writing Sample REQUIRED.

Complete an application through the CWSL Career Center website at https://workforcenow.adp.com/jobs/apply/posting.html?client=35y2n&ccId=19000101_000001&type=MP&lang=en_US or visit our website at CWSL.edu and search Current Job Openings.

About us:

Established in 1924, CWSL is an ABA accredited and AALS member, non-profit law school located in downtown San Diego, California.   CWSL has the distinction of being San Diego’s oldest law school.  CWSL is the recipient of numerous community service awards, including the State Bar of California President’s Pro Bono Service Award, and the federal government’s President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.  The law school is also home to numerous outstanding programs, including the Innocence and Justice Clinic, Community Law Project, and New Media Rights Program.  The faculty are dedicated to teaching, research, and service to the community.  Detailed information is available at https://www.cwsl.edu/

California Western School of Law is committed to using the law to prevent and solve human and societal problems.  In conjunction with our mission - to train ethical, competent, and compassionate lawyers, representative of our diverse society and equipped to use the law effectively and creatively on behalf of all members of society - we value a rich diversity among our students, alumni, faculty, and staff, as well as in the larger communities of which we are a part.

The law school is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to affirmative action and to excellence through diversity.  The law school provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities upon request.