Life After Justice (LAJ) fights to free the wrongfully convicted and provides support in reclaiming their lives after justice. Created by exonerees, the majority exoneree-led Board of Directors’ approach is rooted in the knowledge, expertise and understanding from the lived experience of its leadership.

LAJ’s three-pronged approach is designed to free innocent individuals and contribute to systemic changes by:

  • strategically litigating cases to change policies and laws.
  • providing a network of holistic mental health, well-being, and technology services to support exonerees in rebuilding their lives; and
  • advocating on behalf of exonerees and their families within state and federal governments to establish an ecosystem of support and empowerment beyond monetary awards.

LAJ is seeking a highly motivated and dedicated Legal Intern to join our team and participate in our Incentivized Witnesses’ Project. As a Legal Intern, you will play a crucial role in searching and analyzing cases involving incentivized witnesses, reviewing case materials, conducting legal research, and providing critical insights to support the project’s objectives. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of strategies and recommendations that will enhance the nation’s understanding and approach to incentivized witness testimony.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:

  • Conduct comprehensive legal research: Utilize a variety of legal resources and databases to gather relevant information on incentivized witness testimony, including case law, statutes, scholarly articles, and other authoritative sources.
  • Analyze case materials: Review and analyze case files, court transcripts, affidavits, and other relevant documents related to cases involving incentivized witness testimony. Identify patterns, inconsistencies, and potential areas of legal significance.
  • Evaluate credibility and reliability: Assess the credibility and reliability of incentivized witness testimony by examining factors such as witness motivations, potential biases, corroboration, and any relevant scientific or expert evidence.
  • Collaborate with the project team: Work closely with the Legal Director, staff attorneys, and other team members to discuss research findings, share insights, and contribute to the overall strategy and direction of the project.
  • Stay updated on legal developments: Keep abreast of relevant legal developments, emerging research, and best practices in the field of incentivized witness testimony. Stay informed about changes in legislation, court rulings, and scholarly discussions that may impact the project’s objectives.

Required Qualifications:

  • Anticipated Law degree: Currently Enrolled in an accredited institution.
  • Strong research skills: Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough legal research, analyze complex legal issues, and synthesize information into coherent and actionable insights.
  • Attention to detail: Meticulous and thorough in reviewing and analyzing legal materials, ensuring accuracy and precision in research work.
  • Time management and organizational abilities: Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple assignments simultaneously while maintaining high-quality work.
  • Collaborative mindset: A team player who can effectively work in a multidisciplinary team environment, contributing to a positive and collaborative work culture.

COMPUTER SKILLS – Demonstrate the ability to use a computer and applicable computer software effectively. Proficient in Excel & Word, Adobe, and Outlook.

LANGUAGE SKILLS and MATHEMATICAL SKILLS – Demonstrate the ability to read, comprehend, and respond appropriately through written or verbal form; demonstrate tactfulness when communicating including internal communication with staff members of all levels; ability to communicate with a variety of audiences effectively. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all measure units, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

REASONING – Demonstrate the ability to effectively apply common sense and follow through to daily tasks; demonstrate the ability to work with little or no supervision; demonstrate excellent analytical skills; demonstrate the ability to efficiently conduct research and ask appropriate probing questions to complete necessary tasks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS – The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and stand; use phone and headset; use hands, arms, fingers to type; answer phones; write; use calculator; demonstrate strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 10 pounds; demonstrate clear vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.

REGULAR WORK SCHEDULE – Part-time. We ask that interns be able to commit an average of at least 10 hours per week, but the intern can pick their specific work schedule.

SALARY RANGE: Unfortunately, LAJ is unable to offer our part-time interns any compensation.

BENEFITS: Completely remote work environment

EXPECTED START DATE: The specific start date is flexible, depending on when the Legal Intern’s semester begins.

Please send your resume and cover letter to Sarah Elkins (sarah@lifeafterjustice.org).

Life After Justice is an equal opportunity employer and values the vital role diversity of its workforces plays in our organization’s overall success and ability to be a reflection of those we serve and our mission. LAJ strongly encourages all applicants from all backgrounds, especially racial and ethnic minorities, people within the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities, and people of non-traditional experience and educational backgrounds to apply for this position.