Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney

Title: Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney

Position type: Salaried, exempt 

Salary: $50,000 - $52,000 (depending on experience)

Benefits: Generous time off, flex spending benefits credits, and professional development 

SUMMARY: Georgia Innocence Project (GIP) is a non-profit legal organization dedicated to preventing and correcting the wrongful conviction of innocent people in Georgia. The Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney position is a two-year Department of Justice grant-funded position. The Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney is responsible for working with pro bono lawyers and legal professionals to assist in the screening stage of GIP cases, in order to evaluate those cases and advance them toward exoneration or other resolution. The Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney would work with the Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) at the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office (FCDA). The Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney also will work closely with GIP’s legal team, and will report directly to GIP’s Executive Director or her designee. 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with GIP’s legal team to design and implement a system and associated trainings for volunteers to assist in case file review, digest, and assessment of GIP’s screening-stage cases
• Work with FCDA CIU to identify cases with highest chances of wrongful conviction
• Work with GIP’s Paralegal to submit and track Open Records Act requests and responses
• Draft co-counsel agreements and memorandums of understanding as appropriate 
• Streamline work product templates, documents and file sharing methods for pro bono counsel
• Create check-in and accountability systems and implement the same 
• Create written procedures and manuals to standardize trainings and GIP’s pro-bono program
• Train pro bono counsel and provide continuing support as needed
• Interact routinely with pro bono coordinators at law firms
• Ensure applicants and clients are fully informed of process and rights, as appropriate
• Evaluate completed volunteer case files, draft legal and factual memos recommending action
• Collect and share data for grant reporting requirements and as requested for other needs
• Help advance cases through the CIU as appropriate
• Give presentations and speak publicly about GIP’s work as appropriate and requested

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Law school graduate, able to start by November 1, 2020
• Admission to Georgia State Bar required; 2+ years similar experience preferred
• Tech savvy, able to learn new systems and programs quickly
• Familiarity with wrongful conviction issues and law strongly preferred
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Self-starter that also asks questions and seeks clarification when needed
• Humility and confidence no job is too small or too big
• Must value giving and receiving constructive feedback

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should e-mail the following as PDF attachments: a cover letter, resume, three references, and a writing sample (maximum 30 pages) to hiring@georgiainnocence.org. Include “Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney” in the subject line of your email. We will then email you a short application to complete. Individuals selected for an interview will be contacted directly. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.

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

Deadline:  Position will be open until filled.