Senior Staff Attorney

Position Description About the Los Angeles Innocence Project

The Los Angeles Innocence Project (LAIP) is a nonprofit legal organization dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals and seeking justice for those who are wrongfully incarcerated, as well as advocating for systemic reforms to prevent future injustices. Our work includes direct representation, and policy advocacy. LAIP’s unique partnership with the California Forensic Science Institute at California State University Los Angeles allows us to collaborate with exceptional criminalists and graduate students.

Position Overview

The Senior Staff Attorney will play a critical role in investigating and litigating post-conviction innocence claims, as well as exploring non-litigation means to achieve post-conviction relief if appropriate. This includes, but is not limited to, investigating and litigating a case from inception to resolution, including investigation, preparing and litigating habeas corpus petitions, and evidentiary hearings. The Senior Staff Attorney is also expected to participate in LAIP’s policy reform and fundraising efforts. The Senior Staff Attorney will work collaboratively with LAIP staff, investigators, experts, and external partners, and must be committed to client-centered advocacy and social justice.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate and litigate post-conviction cases, including drafting motions, briefs, and petitions.
• Conduct prison visits, court appearances, and witness interviews.
• Work with forensic experts and investigators to support case development.
• Meet with representatives from prosecutorial agencies to discuss informal resolution of post-conviction discovery requests, DNA motions, and claims of innocence.
• Evaluate new applications for assistance and investigate innocence claims.
• Support grant-funded initiatives, including reporting and coordination with partners.