JFIS Project Attorney

The Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV) envisions a Georgia free of domestic violence. Our mission is Collaborate. Advocate. Educate. Empower. We empower survivors and the programs that strengthen them, educate the public, and advocate for responsive public policy. Our strength is in numbers as we collaborate throughout Georgia to stop domestic violence. For 43 years, GCADV has been the statewide voice advocating an end to domestic violence in Georgia.  Representing domestic violence agencies, advocates, allied individuals, and survivors throughout the state, we foster quality services for victims by increasing the capacity of our 50+ members, mobilize a statewide voice to shape and strengthen public policy, and educate the public to take action and prevent domestic violence.

Position Summary:  GCADV is looking for an experienced Project Attorney to work closely with the Justice for Incarcerated Survivors (JFIS) team on the Wrongful Conviction Project to evaluate, investigate and litigate wrongful conviction claims from women incarcerated in the four prisons in Georgia.  The Project Attorney position is a two-year, Department of Justice grant-funded position, with the possibility of extending beyond the two years with additional grant funding.

The Project Attorney will work with pro bono lawyers and domestic violence advocates to assist in advancing wrongful conviction cases toward exoneration or other resolution. The Project Attorney will also work with the Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) at the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office (FCDA).  The Project Attorney will report directly to GCADV’s Executive Director or her designee.  The ideal candidate will use an anti-racist, abolitionist lens when assessing viable wrongful conviction claims, have litigation experience and an ability to work well on multi-disciplinary teams.  The intended outcome of the project would be a better understanding of the drivers of wrongful conviction for women in prison.

RESPONSIBILITIES

● Work with JFIS team to design and implement a system to evaluate wrongful conviction claims

● Work with FCDA CIU to identify cases of wrongful conviction claims from Fulton County

● Evaluate and investigate wrongful conviction claims in other counties across the state of GA

● Litigate claims as appropriate

● Work with JFIS team to submit and track Open Records Act requests and responses

● Draft co-counsel agreements and memorandums of understanding for pro bono counsel as appropriate

● Create written procedures and manuals to standardize JFIS wrongful conviction work

● Train pro bono counsel and volunteers and provide continuing support as needed

● Ensure applicants and clients are fully informed of process and rights, as appropriate

● Collect and share data for grant reporting requirements and as requested for other needs

● Give presentations and speak publicly about GCADV’s work as appropriate and requested

Additional Responsibilities:

• Adhere to and promote GCADV’s Vision, Mission, Guiding Principles of Unity, and Cultural Responsiveness Standards Contribute to a positive and productive work culture

Qualifications and Skills

• Admission to Georgia State Bar required; 2+ years similar experience preferred Familiarity with criminal law, wrongful conviction and domestic violence strongly preferred Familiarity with GA’s Appeal process

Minimum Education and Experience

• Law degree from an accredited college/university required

Knowledge and Competencies

• Commitment to GCADV’s mission Proven track record of successful litigation strategies Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills coupled with working independently, efficiently and a detailed-orientation approach to work Ability to collaborate with colleagues across and outside of the organization and exhibit flexibility to respond to changing priorities Ability to work across systems including non-profit, state and intragovernmental Capacity for critical thinking with strong planning, organizational, implementation, and time management skills Strong technological proficiency, competence with office software, as well as ability to learn new technology systems and programs quickly Deep commitment to developing meaningful client relationships in a way that is trauma informed and survivor centered

Special Requirements

• Travel may be necessary for interviews, to meet with project partners, attend court, etc.
• Access to reliable transportation is required
• Ability to occasionally work outside of traditional business hours
• Ability to travel out of state for conferences

Cultural Responsiveness and Antiracism

• Maintain a personal commitment to cultural responsiveness and antiracism Identify and promote cultural responsiveness and antiracism as a high priority in all communications, both written and verbal
• Support key strategies and initiatives for promoting cultural responsiveness and antiracism work
• Work both individually and as part of the GCADV team on cultural responsiveness and antiracism strategies and initiatives
• Actively participate in and contribute to tasks, meetings, and projects in conjunction with GCADV’s Undoing Racism Plan.

Compensation: Salary $77,000. GCADV provides flexibility, a hybrid office environment and excellent benefits—including health, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement match; and generous vacation leave and holidays. 

To Apply:  Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled—applying early is highly recommended. To be considered, please email a cover letter and a resume with your qualifications to

hr-gcadv at gcadv.org We will accept applications only by e-mail. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. All applications will be kept strictly confidential.

GCADV is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and encourages all qualified applicants to apply, including but not limited to people of color, people with disabilities, and survivors of domestic violence.