Santa Clara University

Staff Attorney

Northern California Innocence Project
Full-Time ,Fixed Term, 11/10/09 - 4/30/11, $57,474/yr.

Requisition Number (please reference): 1000616

For information about the benefits offered by Santa Clara University, please visit: http://www.scu.edu/hr/benefits/

Purpose:

This is a full-time position, currently funded by an 18-month grant. Under the supervision of the Project Director, responsibilities include identifying, investigating and evaluating California state inmates' cases as to their suitability for post conviction DNA testing. Duties also include pursuing DNA testing of evidence in appropriate cases.

I. Rank

Full time position, 18 month appointment, reappointment subject to limits of funding.

II. California DNA Post Conviction Assistance Program

This program is funded by the NIJ Post Conviction DNA Testing Assistance Program. It will systematically identify and review the California cases that are the subject of the program grant, search for testable DNA evidence, and in appropriate cases, seek testing of that evidence.

III. Essential Functions

1. Assist in identifying and locating inmates who have been convicted of crimes that qualify for investigation under the grant.
2. Identify, locate, and review materials needed to evaluate a case as to suitability for postconviction DNA testing.
3. Work effectively with other professional groups, criminalists, experts, and other judicial and law enforcement entities, assisting in all aspects of the grant's goals.

IV. Particular Duties

1. Locate inmates who qualify for assistance under the grant.
   1. Supervise distribution of questionnaires
   2. Make effective presentations in prisons regarding the project
   3. Canvas county public defender's offices
2. Launch initial investigations of the inmates' cases.
   1. Locate and review case files from the Superior Court
   2. If necessary, travel to the case's county of origin
   3. Interview inmate
3. Evaluate the cases as to suitability for postconviction DNA testing
   1. Understand and analyze complex legal proceedings
   2. Search for evidence that might be subject to DNA testing
   3. If appropriate, seek DNA testing of evidence

V. Qualifications

Juris Doctorate, member of California Bar in good standing, and interest and experience in the practice of criminal law.

VI. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong written and oral communication, careful and in depth legal analysis, effective advocacy, well-organized, and ability to collaborate with judicial, law enforcement, and other entities. Ability to work independently with minimal instruction is important. Willingness to travel to California prisons to interview inmates seeking assistance under the program.

Santa Clara University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, committed to excellence through diversity and inclusion, and, in this spirit, particularly welcomes applications from women, persons of color, and members of historically underrepresented groups. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with a disability.

Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please go to the Campus Safety Services website at http://www.scu.edu/cs/. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.