Staff Attorney

Salary Range: $80,000.00 To $105,000.00 annually. Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for this role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The higher end of the range will be considered for well-qualified candidates.

Job Type: Full-time, Remote. Southern-California based attorney position. Work is remotely, aside from investigations, court appearances, and additional in-person work as needed.

Will also consider Part-Time for the right candidate.

Description: Sister organizations, California Innocence Advocates and Post-Conviction Advocates seek a staff attorney to investigate and litigate post-conviction claims of innocence, claims under the Racial Justice Act, and resentencing, and to represent clients at parole hearings. Cal-IA and PCA provide zealous representation to incarcerated individuals who are wrongfully convicted or unjustly sentenced with a goal of securing their release from prison.

This is a full-time position, reporting to the Director of Cal-IA and PCA. As Staff Attorney, responsibilities include: investigating potential clients’ claims of innocence and litigating those claims, reviewing claims under the Racial Justice Act, evaluating cases for possible resentencing, and preparing and representing clients at parole hearings. The staff attorney is expected to engage in complex legal issues while promoting a holistic defense model. This role includes advocacy, legal research, and compliance with relevant legislation.

The staff attorney will not be permitted to take on additional legal work outside of this position without advanced approval from the Director.

Primary Responsibilities (includes but not limited to):

• Investigate and litigate cases.
• Review and evaluate ongoing cases.
• Provide consultations in criminal cases regarding the Racial Justice Act, re-sentencing, and claims of innocence.
• Advocate and negotiate directly with the prosecution and conviction review units to resolve cases expeditiously.
• Advocate on behalf of clients in the criminal legal system.
• Conduct intake interviews and investigations for post-conviction relief.
• Advise and supervise paralegals and interns
• Understand and analyze complex post-conviction legal proceedings.
• Develop investigation and litigation strategies.
• File motions for post-conviction discovery under PC sections 1054.9 and 745, (d). Request disclosures of information through CPRA and FOIA.
• Collect and organize data for prima facie showings of good cause under the RJA.
• Work with experts to develop litigation strategies and maintain familiarity with relevant areas of expertise, such as DNA analysis and other forensic sciences.
• Draft legal memoranda, motions, petitions for writs of habeas corpus, and other legal documents.
• Participate in evidentiary hearings and make court appearances throughout Southern California, from Kern County to San Diego County
• Identify and retain experts.
• Conduct oral arguments before trial and appellate courts.
• Develop reentry plans for clients and facilitate reentry for recently released clients.
• Keep abreast of changes in law, policy, and forensic science that could impact our work.
• Contribute to a welcoming, cooperative, and inclusive work environment.
• Adhere to department’s budget policies and procedures.
• Suggest strategies to promote productivity and service.
• Travel to regional and national events as needed.
• Work with appropriate level of assistance, instruction and supervision.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate, member of California Bar in good standing, and interest and experience in the practice of post-conviction criminal law.
• Minimum of (2) years of trial and/or appellate experience in criminal defense, post-conviction litigation, or other criminal litigation. Internships and clinical experience considered for purposes of professional experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills are essential.
• Proficient at managing multiple priorities.
• Preference for applicants who are fluent in Spanish.
• Requires strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, and strong advocacy skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience working with a diverse client population, experience teaching or supervising students or attorneys, and a commitment to social justice.
• Experience advising on immigration consequences of criminal convictions.
• Applicants should possess a client-centered and trauma-informed approach to lawyering.
• Must be able to travel throughout the state with occasional out of state travel.
• Requires the ability to work on weekends and some evenings as investigation may require.
• Daily access to a reliable vehicle, obtain and maintain a valid California driver’s license and personal vehicle insurance acknowledging the vehicle is used for employee’s work purposes. Must maintain a clean driving record.

Computer Skills:

• Highly proficient with MS Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Pro, Clio, and Google Drive.
• General Internet skills are essential.
• Highly proficient with legal research databases such as Westlaw and Lexis/Nexis.
• Aptitude for learning new technology.
• Willingness to explore AI technologies.

Benefits:

· 22 paid holidays, including closures Wednesday, November 26, 2025 through Friday, November 28, 2025 and Monday,December 22, 2025 through Friday, January 2, 2026

· 20 hours PTO, beginning 3 months after employment

· 40 hours sick time

· 100% health care benefits for employee

· Dental and vision offered

· Annual bar fees paid

· Relevant professional development opportunities paid up to $2,000 per year

· Federal loan forgiveness eligible as non-profit 501 (c)(3)

How to apply:

· Provide in a single PDF:

o Cover letter explaining why you want to do this work, your ability to learn new areas of the law, and your ability to be self-directed and work remotely while also following direction from the Director.

o Resume, with 3 references (not to be contacted until after interview)

o A writing sample

o A list of cases you have litigated.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Doctorate (Required)

Experience:

• post-conviction legal: 1 year (Required)
• Litigation: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Required)

License/Certification:

• CA Bar license (Required)
• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Long Beach, CA 90803 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Long Beach, CA 90803: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Long Beach, CA 90803

Salary : $80,000 - $105,000