Paralegal

About the Exoneration Project: The Exoneration Project (EP) investigates and litigates post-conviction cases for individuals who assert their innocence. We are one of the largest and most successful innocence organizations in the country. The EP has a unique, collaborative structure: we work with law students at multiple law schools in the United States and are staffed with attorneys from the civil rights firm Loevy + Loevy. We operate offices in Chicago, New York, Ohio, and Washington, D.C., and are a member of the Innocence Network.

Position Summary: The EP is seeking a full-time Paralegal to work as a part of the legal team to provide substantive and administrative support to attorneys and staff on all EP cases. The paralegal will work in our Chicago office starting mid-June.

Key Responsibilities:

• Performing paralegal tasks including preparing, proofreading and timely filing documents, obtaining records, drafting letters, and preparing for and assisting in court during hearings and trials.
• Performing administrative duties, including making copies, organizing and distributing incoming correspondence, and managing sensitive electronic and physical case files.
• Working with attorneys on case investigation.
• Interacting with staff at courthouses, state and federal prisons, and other governmental entities.
• Communicating comfortably and adeptly with individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds, including incarcerated clients and potential clients and their families. This includes occasionally meeting with incarcerated people in prison.

Qualifications:

• A demonstrated passion for social justice.
• Familiarity with the criminal legal system and specifically the causes of wrongful conviction.
• At least one year of experience in a criminal legal services organization or comparable experience in a litigation environment is strongly preferred.
• Innovative thinking and solutions-oriented problem-solving.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. A respect for and ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
• Strong work ethic and attentiveness to detail.
• Strong organizational skills; experience adopting and implementing organizational systems for attorneys strongly preferred.
• Analytical skills necessary to independently collect, analyze, and interpret data.
• Self-direction for daily work, with an ability to interact positively and professionally with the team, witnesses, court officials, and others.
• The flexibility to accommodate the shifting priorities of the litigation world and the organization.
• Demonstrated desire to be a team player and the ability to take leadership and show initiative.
• Candidates must either already be a Notary Public or able to become one upon hiring.
• Spanish-speaking candidates are strongly preferred.

The EP is a client-centered, nimble advocacy organization that aspires to produce the best possible legal representation for our clients. As a staff, we accomplish work quickly and efficiently and do whatever justice demands for our clients. We are at the top of our field and demand excellence for our clients. For this reason, an ideal Paralegal must be client-focused, motivated, and able to work independently. A Paralegal can expect to be very busy but must also be able to deliver very strong work product.

Application Process: To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to apply@exonerationproject.org with the email subject line “Chicago Paralegal”. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis starting immediately. We are targeting a mid-June start date.

Salary Range: $55,000-$65,000 depending on experience, plus full benefits and the opportunity for annual bonuses based on performance.

Exoneration Project Hiring Policies: The Exoneration Project is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and an inclusive culture. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or national origin. We strongly encourage candidates with lived experience with the criminal legal system to apply.