Post-Conviction Senior Staff Attorney

About Centurion
Centurion is a national, secular non-profit (501(c)(3)) dedicated to vindicating the wrongly convicted and supporting them after release. Founded in 1983 as the first innocence organization in the world, Centurion has freed 71 men and women who were serving life or death sentences for crimes they did not commit.

Unlike many organizations working to exonerate the wrongfully imprisoned, Centurion does not require a DNA or forensic component in the cases we accept. Because our cases are often decades old and rarely supported by scientific evidence, they demand meticulous, on-the-ground re-investigation.

For more information, visit www.centurion.org

POSITION SUMMARY
Centurion is seeking a Post-Conviction Senior Staff Attorney to join our team in the fight to free innocent individuals who have been wrongfully incarcerated across the United States. The ideal candidate is a committed advocate for social justice, ready to work with passion, perseverance, and integrity in a field where victories are life-changing, but rare and hard-won.

Because Centurion’s cases are located nationwide, our attorneys frequently litigate out of state and on a pro hac vice basis. This requires the ability to master unfamiliar state law and procedure quickly and confidently while collaborating with local counsel and partners.

The Senior Staff Attorney will be responsible for representing clients, managing active cases, and collaborating with our Case Development and Investigative teams to advance our mission.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
The Post-Conviction Senior Staff Attorney will be involved in all stages of litigation and case management, including:

• Handling appellate and post-conviction proceedings, most often on a pro hac vice basis in out-of-state courts
• Litigating cases in state and federal courts, including drafting petitions for relief, preparing witnesses, presenting evidence at evidentiary hearings, submitting post-hearing briefs, and delivering oral arguments
• Conducting in-depth legal research and case analysis, with an emphasis on mastering out-of-state law and developing strong, jurisdiction-specific litigation strategies
• Developing and coordinating case investigations in partnership with Centurion’s investigative team
• Working with the Legal Director to assess potential new cases based on both factual and legal merit
• Maintaining consistent, compassionate communication with clients throughout all stages of the legal processQUALIFICATIONS
• Must have a J.D. and be admitted to practice law in at least one state and that state’s federal district courts and if not currently admitted to practice law in New Jersey to apply for admission and take all necessary steps to be admitted
• Minimum five years of criminal trial and/or appellate experience, or other qualifying litigation experience
• Familiarity with the legal issues attendant to post-conviction litigation
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and apply new areas of law, particularly when litigating pro hac vice in out-of-state courts
• Experience working with marginalized communities
• A strong commitment to criminal and social justice, the long view on hard-fought legal battles, and the open-mindedness to learn from failed attempts, maintain hope and persevere on behalf of our clients
• Superlative writing and research skills.
• Strong interpersonal and articulate communication skills to make oral arguments effectively and confidently
• Must be able to work collaboratively and pursue partnerships with other organizations working in the innocence field
• Be a hard-working self-starter, have the ability to work independently, and manage multiple competing demands
• Must be in good standing in all courts and have a clean disciplinary record
• Willingness to travel as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The salary for this position is highly competitive and Centurion provides an excellent benefits package, including health (employer paid), dental and vision insurance, retirement plan matching, and flexible work schedules, including remote options.

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Centurion is deeply committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We believe that a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences strengthens our organization and advances our mission. We welcome applications from individuals of all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, socio-economic backgrounds, and educational paths.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Centurion does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Prospective applicants are required to submit a resume with 3 references, cover letter, and a writing sample no longer than 10 pages. Please combine all of these materials into a single PDF titled as Lastname.Firstname.CenturionSrStaffAtty. An unofficial transcript may be requested.

Applications should be addressed and sent to:
Employment@centurion.org Reference Sr. Staff Atty in the subject.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Princeton, NJ 08540