The Midwest Innocence Project (MIP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit legal defense organization dedicated to representing wrongfully convicted people in our five-state region (MO, KS, NE, IA, AR) who can prove their innocence through the use of DNA testing and other newly discovered evidence. The MIP seeks a candidate for a full-time Supervising Attorney position to be based in Columbia, MO or its Kansas Cit, or St. Louis, MO offices. This is a full-time two-year grant-funded position, with the potential for renewal depending on funding availability.

The Supervising Attorney position will be responsible for directing the University of Missouri School of Law’s Innocence Clinic and teaching the Wrongful Conviction Course. The clinic is responsible for reviewing applications arising from convictions involving eyewitness identifications within MIP’s five-state region for the instances where DNA could prove an applicant’s innocence. The Supervising Attorney will work with MIP staff, supervise law student in the clinic, engage in case investigations, and participate in case preparation and litigation.

This position requires excellent interpersonal communication skills, strong research and writing skills, experience in computer- assisted legal research, word processing capability, time management skills, and the ability to understand and manage complex factual and legal issues and supervise intake processes. The Supervising Attorney must maintain an active caseload while training law students and working with partner attorneys in conducting records collection and investigation. The Supervising Attorney must have a strong capacity and experience in direct litigation and providing oversight for litigation processes. 

Responsibilities include

Serve as an adjunct professor directing the University of Missouri School of Law’s Innocence Clinic and teaching the Wrongful Conviction Course

Train and supervise law students

Review incoming files and maintain caseload of prospective innocence cases

Investigate claims of actual innocence in the field and/or supervise the work of an investigator in the field, including locating potential evidence for DNA testing

Engage in legal writing of DNA motions, habeas petitions, post-convictions motions, and case memoranda.

Supervise law students 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.

Position Skills include

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school

Bar license from either Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska or Iowa, or the ability to become licensed, and familiarity with state and federal court systems in the region

Experience with teaching, coaching, or the development of skills in others

At least three years of experience working in criminal defense or post-conviction/habeas corpus litigation is preferred

Experience and knowledge with issues surrounding eyewitness identification

Computer Skills including Microsoft Office, case management software, and other relevant tools and applications. 

The selected candidate must be detail oriented and have superior organizational, oral communication, writing and interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate must be a self-starter, passionate about criminal justice issues, and dedicated to training and educating individuals on issues regarding wrongful convictions.

Application Instructions:

Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and a list of references to jobs@themip.org. Salary range is $55,000-$80,000 DOE. MIP offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including PTO and health insurance, and a positive, anti-racist, engaging, and flexible work environment.

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.