Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists
Clinical Professor & Legal Director, NCIP
Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, San Jose, California, United States, 95199
Position Title:
Clinical Professor & Legal Director, NCIP
Position Type:
Regular
Salary Range:
$125,000 - $150,000 / year
A. POSITION PURPOSE The Northern California Innocence Project (NCIP), a clinical program of Santa Clara University School of Law, seeks a Legal Director to manage all aspects of NCIP's litigation and case investigation efforts, oversee and teach NCIP's law clinic, and provide leadership to and oversight of NCIP's staff attorneys, case manager, legal volunteers, and clinical law students. NCIP's mission is to promote a fair, effective and compassionate criminal justice system and protect the rights of the innocent. NCIP represents wrongfully convicted Californians in courts of all levels. NCIP reviews hundreds of requests for assistance annually and has helped to free 36 innocent people who collectively spent 550 years in prison. NCIP's law clinic provides Santa Clara Law students with critical legal skills and helps them develop a commitment to social justice.
The Legal Director is a full-time, renewable term faculty position. The Legal Director reports to the Santa Clara University Law School Dean and will be responsible for 1) Case Litigation and Litigation Oversight, 2) Teaching, Curriculum Development and Student Mentorship, 3) Professional and Public Education, and 4) Organizational Strategy and Development. NCIP strives for diversity among its applicant pool as well as within its staff. We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds, especially racial, ethnic, gender and sexual orientation minorities, veterans, people with disabilities, and smart people with non-linear/non-traditional experience and educational backgrounds to apply for this position. Most importantly, no matter their background, the person selected for this position must embrace, advocate for, and deeply value equity, diversity, and inclusivity.
B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Case Litigation and Litigation Oversight
Oversee all aspects of NCIP's legal team, including all legal staff, research assistants and volunteers and all case work throughout the state
Oversee and in many cases conduct all aspects of post-conviction investigation and litigation, including but not limited to:
negotiating with district attorneys and attorneys general
drafting state and federal habeas petitions and motions to vacate as well as other legal pleadings, and
conducting evidentiary hearings and oral arguments throughout the state and federal courts in California
Provide day-to-day supervision of staff attorneys and case manager/intake attorney, including case work and student supervision
Maintain a limited docket of cases being investigated and/or litigated, as appropriate for the leadership role
Keep abreast of relevant legal and scientific developments, and ensure that legal staff also is updated on important developments
Work with Associate Director and Executive Director on budgeting and budget monitoring for the legal team
Coordinate/respond to requests for legal assistance from other attorneys on post-conviction innocence claims
Recruit, coordinate, oversee and supervise work of pro bono attorneys and law firms
Work with civil rights attorneys to seek compensation for those wrongfully convicted and to advance innocence claims as civil rights violations
Develop relationships with attorneys nationwide working on innocence issues and collaborate with them on issues of particular importance
Identify, coordinate, oversee and draft amicus efforts in cases raising issues related to innocence work, in state and federal courts
2. Teaching, Curriculum Development and Student Mentorship
Develop NCIP curriculum and teach Beginning NCIP clinical class, twice weekly, for fall and spring semesters
Oversee Advanced NCIP students throughout the year
Oversee the training, supervision and counseling of clinical law students in all aspects of their clinic work, including editing of written work, weekly meetings for case development, and all hearing preparation, including witness preparation and legal research, and certified law student court appearances
Advance student job opportunities by arranging for students to work with pro bono law firms
Advise students on job opportunities
Provide student recommendation to potential employers
3. Professional and Public Education
Conduct local, statewide and national presentations for professional and community groups regarding NCIP's work and legal issues presented by NCIP's case work
Work with NCIP's Policy Liaison to consult with policy makers regarding policy reforms, including the presentation of hearing testimony, comments on and participation in the drafting of legislation, and consulting on other policy initiatives
Participate in and consult on state and national print, radio, television and internet media coverage
Participate in public education and fundraising events as a spokesperson for NCIP
4. Organizational Strategy and Development
Work with Executive Director and Associate Director to determine organizational goals, develop strategies for initiatives, and increase overall sustainability
Develop alliances and partnerships with other entities engaged in issues surrounding wrongful conviction and exoneration of the innocent
Participate in the ongoing fundraising efforts of NCIP, including the annual Justice For All Gala and meetings with donors and potential donors
Present on legal team work at NCIP Board meetings
Contribute to the development of collateral including but not limited to press releases, annual reports, newsletters, email announcements, and fundraising appeals
5. Other Duties as Assigned
C. PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION
The Legal Director will provide work direction to NCIP staff attorneys, the NCIP case manager/intake attorney, and NCIP clinical students.
D. RECEIVES WORK DIRECTION FROM
Receives work direction from the Santa Clara University Law School Dean.
E. GENERAL GUIDELINES
Recommends initiatives and implements changes to improve quality and services.
Identifies and determines cause of problems; develops and presents recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices.
Maintains contact with clients and staff and solicits feedback for improved services.
Maximizes productivity through use of appropriate tools; planned training and performance initiatives.
Researches and develops resources that create timely and efficient workflow.
Prepares progress reports; informs supervisor of project status; and deviation from goals.
Ensures completeness, accuracy and timeliness of all operational functions.
Prepares and submits reports as requested and required.
Develops and implements guidelines to support the functions of the unit.
F. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred.
This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.
1. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to develop and implement investigative plans for cases
Ability to identify, locate, and review materials needed to evaluate a case as to suitability for post-conviction litigation
Ability to draft compelling complex legal pleadings to be filed before all levels of state and federal courts
Ability to work effectively with professional groups, criminalists, experts, judges, law enforcement entities, advocates and other criminal justice practitioners
Experience with in-depth legal analysis and effective advocacy
Knowledge of U.S. criminal justice system and leading criminal justice reform areas
Demonstrated potential for successful teaching and student supervision, including previous experience in a clinical legal setting, the direct supervision and mentoring of junior attorneys, or similar experience
Superior writing, editing, and verbal skills
Sound judgment and exceptional ethical standards
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of internal and external constituents
Ability to work independently with minimal direction and accept and integrate direction and guidance
Approachable and collaborative personal style, works well with others in diverse, multicultural coalitions and workplace
Willing to travel to conduct case investigation, make court appearances around the state, and visit California prisons to interview clients and witnesses
Demonstrates strong active listening skills and ability to negotiate positive outcomes
Possesses a positive attitude, sense of humor and flexibility
Strong organizational skills, including a well-developed attention to detail and follow-through
Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects at a time, work well under pressure, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Flexible and creative problem-solver, possessing strong critical thinking skills
Flexible work hours, ability to work some evenings and weekends
Appreciation for the mission of Santa Clara University and demonstrated commitment to NCIP's mission, values and goals
Respectful of all people regardless of socioeconomic background, race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender or gender identity
2. Education and/or Experience
Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited institution and member of the California bar in good standing or willing to sit for the next California bar exam
At least eight years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of criminal law and/or criminal appellate and/or post-conviction work
At least two years of legal teaching experience, particularly in a seminar, clinical, skills development setting
Experience in mentoring students and lawyers
Preferred:
Ability to speak Spanish a plus
Familiarity with Clio case management platform a plus
G. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer terminal.
May be required to travel to other buildings on the campus.
May be required to attend conferences, training sessions or meetings within Bay Area or in- or out-of-state locations.
Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.
H. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Typical office and computer lab environment, with remote work opportunities.
Mostly indoor office environment with some windows.
Offices with equipment noise.
Offices with frequent interruptions.
Flexible work hours.
APPLICATION
Please submit a cover letter, CV/resume, at least three professional references, and writing sample to apply.
Telecommute
Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.
EEO Statement
Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination
Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decisionmaking, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University's equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website at https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/.
Clery Notice of Availability
Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Services website. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team at hraccommodations@scu.edu or by phone at (408)554-5750.
Work Authorization:
SCU does not sponsor any applicants for work visas for this position. The successful candidate must be able to provide evidence of identity and legal authorization to work in the United States.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Clinical Professor & Legal Director, NCIP
Position Type:
Regular
Salary Range:
$125,000 - $150,000 / year
A. POSITION PURPOSE The Northern California Innocence Project (NCIP), a clinical program of Santa Clara University School of Law, seeks a Legal Director to manage all aspects of NCIP's litigation and case investigation efforts, oversee and teach NCIP's law clinic, and provide leadership to and oversight of NCIP's staff attorneys, case manager, legal volunteers, and clinical law students. NCIP's mission is to promote a fair, effective and compassionate criminal justice system and protect the rights of the innocent. NCIP represents wrongfully convicted Californians in courts of all levels. NCIP reviews hundreds of requests for assistance annually and has helped to free 36 innocent people who collectively spent 550 years in prison. NCIP's law clinic provides Santa Clara Law students with critical legal skills and helps them develop a commitment to social justice.
The Legal Director is a full-time, renewable term faculty position. The Legal Director reports to the Santa Clara University Law School Dean and will be responsible for 1) Case Litigation and Litigation Oversight, 2) Teaching, Curriculum Development and Student Mentorship, 3) Professional and Public Education, and 4) Organizational Strategy and Development. NCIP strives for diversity among its applicant pool as well as within its staff. We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds, especially racial, ethnic, gender and sexual orientation minorities, veterans, people with disabilities, and smart people with non-linear/non-traditional experience and educational backgrounds to apply for this position. Most importantly, no matter their background, the person selected for this position must embrace, advocate for, and deeply value equity, diversity, and inclusivity.
B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Case Litigation and Litigation Oversight
Oversee all aspects of NCIP's legal team, including all legal staff, research assistants and volunteers and all case work throughout the state
Oversee and in many cases conduct all aspects of post-conviction investigation and litigation, including but not limited to:
negotiating with district attorneys and attorneys general
drafting state and federal habeas petitions and motions to vacate as well as other legal pleadings, and
conducting evidentiary hearings and oral arguments throughout the state and federal courts in California
Provide day-to-day supervision of staff attorneys and case manager/intake attorney, including case work and student supervision
Maintain a limited docket of cases being investigated and/or litigated, as appropriate for the leadership role
Keep abreast of relevant legal and scientific developments, and ensure that legal staff also is updated on important developments
Work with Associate Director and Executive Director on budgeting and budget monitoring for the legal team
Coordinate/respond to requests for legal assistance from other attorneys on post-conviction innocence claims
Recruit, coordinate, oversee and supervise work of pro bono attorneys and law firms
Work with civil rights attorneys to seek compensation for those wrongfully convicted and to advance innocence claims as civil rights violations
Develop relationships with attorneys nationwide working on innocence issues and collaborate with them on issues of particular importance
Identify, coordinate, oversee and draft amicus efforts in cases raising issues related to innocence work, in state and federal courts
2. Teaching, Curriculum Development and Student Mentorship
Develop NCIP curriculum and teach Beginning NCIP clinical class, twice weekly, for fall and spring semesters
Oversee Advanced NCIP students throughout the year
Oversee the training, supervision and counseling of clinical law students in all aspects of their clinic work, including editing of written work, weekly meetings for case development, and all hearing preparation, including witness preparation and legal research, and certified law student court appearances
Advance student job opportunities by arranging for students to work with pro bono law firms
Advise students on job opportunities
Provide student recommendation to potential employers
3. Professional and Public Education
Conduct local, statewide and national presentations for professional and community groups regarding NCIP's work and legal issues presented by NCIP's case work
Work with NCIP's Policy Liaison to consult with policy makers regarding policy reforms, including the presentation of hearing testimony, comments on and participation in the drafting of legislation, and consulting on other policy initiatives
Participate in and consult on state and national print, radio, television and internet media coverage
Participate in public education and fundraising events as a spokesperson for NCIP
4. Organizational Strategy and Development
Work with Executive Director and Associate Director to determine organizational goals, develop strategies for initiatives, and increase overall sustainability
Develop alliances and partnerships with other entities engaged in issues surrounding wrongful conviction and exoneration of the innocent
Participate in the ongoing fundraising efforts of NCIP, including the annual Justice For All Gala and meetings with donors and potential donors
Present on legal team work at NCIP Board meetings
Contribute to the development of collateral including but not limited to press releases, annual reports, newsletters, email announcements, and fundraising appeals
5. Other Duties as Assigned
C. PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION
The Legal Director will provide work direction to NCIP staff attorneys, the NCIP case manager/intake attorney, and NCIP clinical students.
D. RECEIVES WORK DIRECTION FROM
Receives work direction from the Santa Clara University Law School Dean.
E. GENERAL GUIDELINES
Recommends initiatives and implements changes to improve quality and services.
Identifies and determines cause of problems; develops and presents recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices.
Maintains contact with clients and staff and solicits feedback for improved services.
Maximizes productivity through use of appropriate tools; planned training and performance initiatives.
Researches and develops resources that create timely and efficient workflow.
Prepares progress reports; informs supervisor of project status; and deviation from goals.
Ensures completeness, accuracy and timeliness of all operational functions.
Prepares and submits reports as requested and required.
Develops and implements guidelines to support the functions of the unit.
F. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred.
This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.
1. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to develop and implement investigative plans for cases
Ability to identify, locate, and review materials needed to evaluate a case as to suitability for post-conviction litigation
Ability to draft compelling complex legal pleadings to be filed before all levels of state and federal courts
Ability to work effectively with professional groups, criminalists, experts, judges, law enforcement entities, advocates and other criminal justice practitioners
Experience with in-depth legal analysis and effective advocacy
Knowledge of U.S. criminal justice system and leading criminal justice reform areas
Demonstrated potential for successful teaching and student supervision, including previous experience in a clinical legal setting, the direct supervision and mentoring of junior attorneys, or similar experience
Superior writing, editing, and verbal skills
Sound judgment and exceptional ethical standards
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of internal and external constituents
Ability to work independently with minimal direction and accept and integrate direction and guidance
Approachable and collaborative personal style, works well with others in diverse, multicultural coalitions and workplace
Willing to travel to conduct case investigation, make court appearances around the state, and visit California prisons to interview clients and witnesses
Demonstrates strong active listening skills and ability to negotiate positive outcomes
Possesses a positive attitude, sense of humor and flexibility
Strong organizational skills, including a well-developed attention to detail and follow-through
Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects at a time, work well under pressure, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Flexible and creative problem-solver, possessing strong critical thinking skills
Flexible work hours, ability to work some evenings and weekends
Appreciation for the mission of Santa Clara University and demonstrated commitment to NCIP's mission, values and goals
Respectful of all people regardless of socioeconomic background, race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender or gender identity
2. Education and/or Experience
Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited institution and member of the California bar in good standing or willing to sit for the next California bar exam
At least eight years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of criminal law and/or criminal appellate and/or post-conviction work
At least two years of legal teaching experience, particularly in a seminar, clinical, skills development setting
Experience in mentoring students and lawyers
Preferred:
Ability to speak Spanish a plus
Familiarity with Clio case management platform a plus
G. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer terminal.
May be required to travel to other buildings on the campus.
May be required to attend conferences, training sessions or meetings within Bay Area or in- or out-of-state locations.
Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.
H. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Typical office and computer lab environment, with remote work opportunities.
Mostly indoor office environment with some windows.
Offices with equipment noise.
Offices with frequent interruptions.
Flexible work hours.
APPLICATION
Please submit a cover letter, CV/resume, at least three professional references, and writing sample to apply.
Telecommute
Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.
EEO Statement
Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination
Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decisionmaking, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University's equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website at https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/.
Clery Notice of Availability
Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Services website. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team at hraccommodations@scu.edu or by phone at (408)554-5750.
Work Authorization:
SCU does not sponsor any applicants for work visas for this position. The successful candidate must be able to provide evidence of identity and legal authorization to work in the United States.
#J-18808-Ljbffr