Staff Attorney - Innocence Project

Staff Attorney – Innocence Project

Cooley Law School

Lansing, MI

Cooley Law School seeks a full-time Staff Attorney for the Innocence Project at its Lansing campus.  The Innocence Project Clinic provides hands-on learning opportunities to law and undergraduate students and free legal representation to Michigan prisoners whose innocence may be proven through post-conviction DNA testing.  The Staff Attorney identifies, develops and manages cases in which DNA testing may prove factual innocence.  The attorney works with parties, courts, prosecutors, and conviction integrity units.  This is a three-year grant-funded position.

Successful candidates will possess all or many of the following qualifications and/or skills:  A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and be licensed to practice law in Michigan and be in good standing with the state bar, or be eligible for licensure.  A minimum of two years of experience as a practicing attorney with an emphasis on criminal law practice (trial, appellate, post-conviction), Innocence Project experience preferred.  Knowledge of DNA and other forensics, their application to and effect on legal issues including grounds for relief; and, ability to interpret laboratory reports and raw DNA data.  Knowledge of Freedom of Information laws and general working of state and local governments, agencies, and police forces.  Strong interviewing ability, excellent writing and proofreading skills, and strong interpersonal skills. 

Please send a resume via e-mail to hr@cooley.edu.  Please include “IP Staff Attorney” in the subject line.  Cooley Law School, 300 S. Capitol Ave, Lansing MI, 48933.  First consideration will be given to those who apply before January 16, 2025.  We are an equal employment opportunity employer. For further information about Cooley Law School, please visit www.cooley.edu.