Staff Attorney: Post-Conviction & Exoneration Advocate

Nacba; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

5% retirement matching

Vacation and sick leave

Transit or parking stipend

CLE/bar dues and licensing support

Flexible and hybrid work arrangements

Job summary

Washington Innocence Project seeks a Staff Attorney to manage a statewide caseload focused on actual innocence claims. You will develop theories from investigation, review of records, and forensic testing, and you will litigate post-conviction matters with support from investigators, paralegals, interns, volunteers, and pro bono counsel.

The position emphasizes collaboration, careful judgment, and capacity to handle complex, long-running cases while traveling within Washington for client visits

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and active Washington State Bar membership, or eligibility for admission by motion within an agreed period.
• At least five years of experience practicing criminal law as a licensed attorney.
• Substantial legal research and writing experience.
• Experience communicating with incarcerated clients or individuals affected by the criminal legal system.
• Ability to manage several long-term matters and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to client-centered public-interest law and system reform.
• Ability to travel within Washington for client visits and hearings.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, client-centered representation to incarcerated individuals in Washington.
• Develop factual and legal theories through investigation, records review, and analysis of narratives.
• Draft, file, and argue post-conviction motions, petitions, appellate briefs, and other pleadings.
• Prepare for and conduct evidentiary hearings, including witness interviews and exhibit presentation.
• Coordinate with investigators and experts on DNA, medicine, and other forensics.
• Maintain regular communication with clients about goals, progress, and next steps.
• Assist with grant reporting, amicus work, policy initiatives, and public education.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Client communication

Collaboration with investigators

Education

Juris Doctor

State Bar admission (Washington)

Admission by motion possible

Tools

Microsoft 365

Adobe Acrobat

Case-management systems

Job description

Washington Innocence Project seeks a Staff Attorney to manage a statewide caseload focused on actual innocence claims. You will develop theories from investigation, review of records, and forensic testing, and you will litigate post-conviction matters with support from investigators, paralegals, interns, volunteers, and pro bono counsel.

The position emphasizes collaboration, careful judgment, and capacity to handle complex, long-running cases while traveling within Washington for client visits