Job Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Attorney for our Justice for Incarcerated Survivors program (JFIS).
The JFIS Program provides post-conviction legal services to individuals with a history of surviving DV who are incarcerated in Georgia’s prisons. Specifically, JFIS primarily serves women who have been victimized and those for whom victimization led to incarceration. JFIS also provides training, education, and advocacy (including policy and legislative advocacy) surrounding issues affecting criminalized survivors.
specializing in Justice For Indian Services (JFIS) to join our legal team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to provide comprehensive legal counsel, advocacy, and representation across a diverse range of legal areas impacting tribal communities and federal regulations. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion for justice, possess strong research and negotiation skills, and be committed to advancing legal solutions that serve tribal interests. As an Attorney - JFIS, you will play a vital role in managing complex cases, drafting legal documents, and advocating for clients within a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage a caseload of criminalized survivors of domestic violence in post-conviction matters including, but not limited to, parole, habeas corpus petitions, extraordinary motions for new trial, and petitions for resentencing. Coordinate with experts, specialists, advocates, and other relevant parties to provide representation. Manage negotiations with the State cases and develop packages or materials to support post-conviction litigation.
Experience with FileVine case management system for review and screening of GCADV & GJP’s joint screening process. Prepare cases for presentation to prosecutors’ offices for parole support, resentencing, and/or extraordinary motions for new trial. Assist with investigation, including, but not limited to, conducting requests for necessary documentation (open records requests, requests for HIPAA protected documents, Department of Corrections records, files from Clerk’s and District Attorney’s offices, etc., interviewing witnesses and family members, interviewing clients.
Liaise with program partners (i.e. GA Department of Corrections, GA Board of Pardons and Paroles, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office’s Conviction Integrity Unit, pro bono law firms, community agencies, etc.) as needed. Assist with investigation, including, but not limited to, conducting requests for necessary documentation (open records requests, requests for HIPAA protected documents, Department of Corrections records, files from Clerk’s and District Attorney’s offices, etc.), interviewing witnesses and family members, interviewing clients.
Direct Representation
Represent domestic violence survivors in matters, including researching anddrafting pleadings and motions, engaging in discovery, negotiating resolutions,appearing for hearings and case conferences, and assessing appeal potential.
Maintain a caseload while supporting broader community stabilization efforts.
Collect, review, and evaluate evidence related to client matters.
Maintain accurate and timely client records and case documentation using FileVinecase management system for review and screening of GCADV & GJP’s jointscreening process
Training and Technical Assistance
Network with criminal defense attorneys (through GACDL, non-profits, the State Barof Georgia, etc.), public defenders to provide information about the program andschedule trainings
Build relationships with county jails across the state to ensure information aboutthe program is available for justice-impacted survivors to utilize and share withattorneys
Work with the JFIS Legal Director to develop training curricula and plan/facilitatetraining events, CLEs, etc.
Develop useful materials for trial attorneys and justice-impacted survivors to use,like Know Your Rights materials, litigation strategy guides, guides to effectivelydocumenting history of abuse, case law guides on specific issues; updatepreexisting materials such as expert witness directory, amicus brief templates
Survivor Justice Act Implementation
Participate in Survivor Justice Initiative efforts, including weekly check-in with theGeorgia Justice Project on SJA implementation and joint SJA resentencingrepresentation screening process
Assist with training and education on the SJA and criminalized survival
Develop litigation strategy and templates/examples related to the SJA
Assist with technical assistance to attorneys representing criminalized survivors atboth the trial level and in post-conviction matters
Assist with systems level implementation efforts (like developing jury charges orliaising with court administration)
Other tasks as deemed necessary and appropriate
Knowledge and Skill Requirements:
Demonstrated commitment to social justice and legal services to criminalizesurvivors of domestic violence in post-conviction matters.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills; equally strong analytical skills.
Litigation experience is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with people of all ages and culturalbackgrounds, including communicating with diverse constituencies – from law firmpartners to domestic violence survivor clients and family members.
Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active membership in the StateBar of Georgia in good standing, or eligibility for admission prior to the start date.
One (1) to five (5) years of relevant legal experience, preferably in criminal law, post-conviction work, or a related field.
Demonstrated knowledge of domestic violence dynamics and related issues;experience working within a domestic violence program or closely alliedorganization strongly preferred (minimum of three years).
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to managemultiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to effectivelycommunicate with clients, colleagues, and external partners.
Advanced proficiency with technology, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word,Excel, PowerPoint) and virtual communication platforms; experience with casemanagement systems is a plus.
Ability to work both independently in a self-directed manner and collaboratively aspart of a team.
Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with diversecommunities, partner organizations, and government agencies.
Commitment to fostering a positive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.
Flexibility and willingness to work occasional evenings or outside standard businesshours as needed.
Access to reliable transportation and willingness to travel in-state and out-of-state, including occasional overnight travel.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Atlanta, GA 30345
