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Managing Staff Attorney, NJ Innocence Project for Criminal and Youth Justice Clinic (Research Associate)
Position Details
Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title
Managing Staff Attorney, NJ Innocence Project for Criminal and Youth Justice Clinic (Research Associate)
Department
Law School Newark
Salary Details
$110,000-$140,000 Grant Funded Offer and employment is contingent upon the availability of funding and/or program needs.
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
- Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
- Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
- Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
- Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee discount programs
Posting Summary
Rutgers Law School seeks to hire a full-time Managing Staff Attorney for the New Jersey Innocence Project at Rutgers University. The attorney will provide legal representation and informal advocacy to those seeking exoneration for wrongful conviction. The attorney will also oversee the project’s case screening and investigation processes, collaborate with pro bono partners, work with an established Advisory Board, and, in collaboration with the director, seek sources of external funding. Finally, the attorney will participate in statewide justice reform initiatives and community education efforts. The Managing Attorney may be resident at either the Newark or Camden location of the Law School, depending on the preference of the successful candidate.
Position Status
Full Time
Posting Number
25FA0958
Posting Open Date
01/15/2026
Posting Close Date
01/31/2026
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
- Must have an earned JD or LLB degree, be admitted to the Bar of any state, and, if not admitted to the New Jersey Bar, be willing and eligible to seek admission immediately.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience practicing criminal defense or handling innocence cases in New Jersey (preferred) or another jurisdiction
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications
- Passion for representing wrongfully convicted people
- Prior experience in policy advocacy, preferably in the areas of wrongful convictions and criminal and juvenile legal system reform
- Experience serving in a leadership role in a mission-driven setting
- Experience with budget oversight
- Professional legal criminal defense experience, with preference given to those with experience in post-conviction litigation in state and/or federal courts
- Ability to develop strong relationships across a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, and to work well with leaders in the private, government, and not-for-profit sectors
- Organizational acumen
- Ability to work well with partners and partner organizations
- Excellent public speaking and communication skills
- Development and fundraising experience
Equipment Utilized
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Must be willing to travel regularly between the Camden and Newark campuses. Additional travel may be necessary.
Overview
Legal casework & policy reform
- Providing legal representation to individuals who claim actual innocence and managing legal representation by partner entities
- Working with and supervising staff, pro bono counsel, students, and others during the investigation and litigation of cases
- Identifying causes of wrongful convictions and meaningful potential reforms directed at preventing them
Management of the day-to-day operations of the NJ Innocence Project
- Providing leadership and maintaining a collaborative culture that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse and talented staff
- Supervising NJ Innocence Project staff members
- Developing and managing the budget
- Maintaining complete and accurate records and analyzing data
- Reporting as required to funders and Rutgers’ senior administration
- Fulfilling all reporting requirements for membership in the National Innocence Network
- Representing the Project at national and regional conferences
Developing and managing strategic partnerships
- Maintaining a positive relationship with Rutgers Law School administration, faculty, staff, and students
- Cultivating strategic relationships with individuals and entities, such as the New Jersey courts, law firm pro bono departments, the New Jersey Office of Public Defender’s Post-Conviction Unit, the New Jersey Attorney General’s Conviction Review Unit, and others, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of the Innocence Project’s work
- Educating the public about wrongful convictions and building community support for innocence work
- Building a community of exonerees and exoneree families
- Developing strategic relationships with other innocence organizations
Development and fundraising
- Working collaboratively with the project Director and reporting regularly as required
- Developing and executing development goals and strategies
Coordinating student involvement
- Liaise with relevant faculty members
The Managing Staff Attorney will supervise three Rutgers staff members. The Managing Staff Attorney will also supervise volunteers and individuals external to the university. The number of volunteers and external workers will fluctuate in accordance with the case load.
- Two Research Associates (Part-Time Staff Attorneys), Law School
- One Senior Administrative Assistant (Paralegal), Law School (not yet posted or hired)
· Volunteers, Internal (including from Criminal Justice Program, School of Social Work, Law School, Forensic Science) and External to the University
- Investigator, External Consultant
- Pro Bono Lawyers, Law School & External to University
Statement
Posting Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Quick Link to Posting
Campus
Rutgers University-Newark
Home Location Campus
Rutgers University-Camden
City
Newark and Camden
State
NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required DocumentsOptional Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
- Curriculum Vitae
- List of Professional References (contact Info)
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