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Equal Justice Works Fellow

Santa Clara University

Job Location:

Santa Clara County, CA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer

Posted: 10 August 2026 (30+ days ago)

Application Deadline: 7 November 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Position Title:

Equal Justice Works Fellow

Position Type:

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Hiring Range:

$85400/Annual

Pay Frequency:

Annual

A. POSITION PURPOSE

The Northern California Innocence Project (NCIP) a clinical program of Santa Clara University School of Law seeks an Equal Justice Works Fellow to focus on identification investigation and litigation of wrongful convictions based on eyewitness misidentification.

NCIPs mission is to promote a fair effective and compassionate criminal justice system and protect the rights of the innocent. Reporting to the Executive Director the Equal Justice Works Fellow is a full-time two-year fixed term position. Responsibilities include investigating and litigating potential clients claims of innocence conducting case and policy research and co-authoring a research report representing NCIP publicly and assisting in all aspects of NCIPs practice.

B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Investigate Represent and Litigate Cases on Behalf of NCIP Clients (60%)

Identify potential wrongful conviction cases based on eyewitness misidentification
Investigate cases in collaboration with senior attorneys
Review and evaluate ongoing cases in collaboration with Case Management Supervisor and senior attorneys
Develop investigation and litigation strategies under direct supervision from senior attorneys
Understand and analyze complex legal proceedings
Draft legal memoranda motions petitions for writs of habeas corpus and other legal proceedings under the direct supervision of senior attorneys
Conduct evidentiary hearings and make court appearances throughout the state in collaboration with and under the direct supervision of senior attorneys
Other related duties as required

2. Conduct Research and Author Report (35%)

Compile California law enforcement eyewitness identification policies
Input eyewitness identification policies into tracking system
Analyze policy data and identify data trends
Partner with Artificial Intelligence experts to assist with data collection and evaluation for purposes of research replication and expediency
With supervisors co-author and publish a report based on law enforcement policy data
Present report findings at NCIP-sponsored symposia and events
Other related duties as required

3. Special Projects (5%)

Complete special projects as defined by Executive Director and Legal Director
Represent NCIP publicly and participate in speaking engagements to varied audiences

C. PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION

The Equal Justice Works Fellow will not directly supervise any NCIP staff members but may work with students and volunteers.

D. RECEIVES WORK DIRECTION FROM

Receives work direction from Executive Director and Legal Director.

E. QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge skills abilities education and experience required or preferred.

This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.

1. Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Ability to develop and implement investigative plan for cases;
Ability to identify locate and review materials needed to evaluate a case as to suitability for post-conviction litigation;
Ability to draft compelling complex legal pleadings to be filed before all levels of state and federal courts;
Ability to work effectively with professional groups medical doctors criminalists experts and other judicial and law enforcement entities;
Capable of in-depth legal analysis and effective advocacy;
Knowledge of U.S. criminal justice system and leading criminal justice reform areas;
Excellent oral and written communication skills;
Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks complete tasks with accuracy and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment;
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of internal and external constituents;
Ability to work independently with minimal direction;
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills;
Approachable and collaborative personal style works well with others in diverse multicultural coalitions and workplace;
Willing to travel to California prisons to interview inmates seeking assistance under the program and make court appearances around the state;
Appreciation for the mission of Santa Clara University and demonstrated commitment to NCIPs mission values and goals.

2. Education and/or Experience

Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited institution
Member of the California bar in good standing or willing to sit for the next available California bar exam
0-2 years of experience with criminal law innocence work criminal appellate work and/or post-conviction work

Preferred:

Familiarity with Clio case management software a plus

F. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended the California Fair Employment & Housing Act and all other applicable laws SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities. A qualified individual is a person who meets skill experience education or other requirements of the position and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer terminal.
May be required to travel to other buildings on the campus.
May be required to attend conferences training sessions or meetings within Bay Area or in- or out-of-state locations.
Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

H. WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Typical office and computer lab environment.
Mostly indoor office environment with some windows.
Offices with equipment noise.
Offices with frequent interruptions.
May require work from home

EEO Statement

Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. For a complete copy of Santa Clara Universitys equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies see IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

Santa Clara University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex/gender and prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internally or externally.Information about Title IX can be found at can also be made to the Assistant Secretary of Education within the Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

Clery Notice of Availability

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 . To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at . The report includes the type of crime venue and number of occurrences.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Santa Clara University affirms its commitment to employ qualified individuals with disabilities within the workplace and to comply with the Americans with Disability Act. All applicants desiring an accommodation should contact the Department of Human Resources and and request to speak to Indu Ahluwalia by phone at or by email at

Telecommute

Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California Nevada Oregon Washington Arizona and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.

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