The Midwest Innocence Project (MIP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit legal defense organization dedicated to representing people convicted of crimes they did not commit in our five-state region (MO, KS, NE, IA, AR). The MIP seeks a candidate for a full-time two-year attorney position. This position may work remote, but candidates are required to be based in either Arkansas or Kansas City or St. Louis, MO.

This Staff Attorney – Arkansas Review position will be responsible for reviewing wrongful conviction cases that occurred within the state Arkansas. The Staff Attorney will work with MIP staff, engage in case investigations, and participate in litigation. This is a full-time two-year grant-funded position, with the potential for renewal depending on funding availability.

This position requires excellent research and writing skills, experience in computer- assisted legal research, word processing, case management, time management, and the ability to understand and manage complex factual and legal issues. The Staff Attorney – Arkansas Review must maintain an active caseload, collaborate with partnering attorneys, collect records, and investigate cases. Due to the highly specialized nature of the work, the position requires an attitude of curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

Investigate claims of actual innocence in the field which may include out-of-state travel

Review incoming files for prospective innocence cases and maintain caseload of prospective innocence cases

Draft habeas petitions, post-conviction motions, and DNA motions for state and federal court

Supervise law students or other legal team collaborators in case review, investigation, records collection, and case litigation

As needed, participate in litigation preparation and case preparation on activated cases where MIP has been retained as counsel

Qualifications

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school required

Computer Skills including Microsoft Office and other relevant tools and applications. 

Willingness to become highly competent in collaborating with remote teammates

Experience working in criminal defense or post-conviction/habeas corpus litigation, particularly federal habeas, preferred

Experience and knowledge with issues surrounding contributing factors to wrongful conviction including eyewitness misidentification and official misconduct preferred

Compensation is $60,000-65,000 depending on experience. MIP offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including PTO and health insurance, and a positive, anti-racist, engaging, and flexible work environment.

Application Instructions:

Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and a list of references to jobs@themip.org. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

The Midwest Innocence Project is an equal opportunity employer and strives for diversity among its applicant pool as well as within its staff and board. 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.