For The People (FTP) works with prosecutors, system leaders, community members, and incarcerated people to reduce the number of people serving excessive sentences. We are harnessing the incredible power of prosecutors to join the fight to end sentences that no longer serve justice. Through direct partnerships, we work with prosecutors to safely release and reintegrate incarcerated persons into their communities.
About the Position
For The People is looking for a full-time Staff Attorney to support the needs of our growing California and national legal operation, with a focus on movement and community lawyering. Reporting to the Managing Attorney, the Staff Attorney will partner closely with the other Staff Attorneys to execute the core work of our organization – safely releasing people from prison, reuniting families, and serving as a trusted ally with prosecutors across the country seeking to reevaluate past sentences. We are looking for a Staff Attorney with a strong track record in successfully managing a high volume of legal cases, overseeing the work of others in a team setting, and working in support of community leaders and movements to realize their goals.
The ideal candidate will have strong research and writing skills, and the ability to: manage internal and external matters in a fast-paced environment; effectively collaborate with a growing legal team that also includes pro-bono attorneys, law students, and legal clinics; and work with incarcerated people, their loved ones, and community-based organizations in
preparing cases for review by the DA. This position requires strong critical thinking, project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain and/or foster relationships within the prison department, legal community, and with community leaders. This position offers a unique opportunity to be part of a collaborative team that is pioneering a new pathway to freedom for people serving excessive prison sentences and making fundamental and lasting cultural changes within prosecutor offices.
Candidates who have experience within the criminal justice system or have been directly system-impacted are encouraged to apply.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide legal support to community partners in achieving community-led goals as well as the goals set forth for FTP’s legal program: 1) coordinate case strategy sessions, 2) production of legal motions, legal advisories, white papers, training materials and other written work product, 3) evaluation of prison/sentencing data, 4) review of legal research projects, 5) preparation/execution of case presentations with DAs and 6) training and supervision of volunteer attorneys and legal interns.
- Build and maintain relationships with public defenders and community-based organizations within California and nationally.
- Identify supporting documents needed for case presentations and collaborate with community-based organizations to gather them from incarcerated persons and their loved ones to support cases in preparing for presentation to DAs.
- Coordinate with the Reentry & Reunification Team to develop reentry plans in preparing for case presentations to DAs.
- Coordinate meetings and respond to inquiries regarding cases and resources received from stakeholders, including community partners, government agencies, and incarcerated persons.
- Support pro-bono, law school, and volunteer programs as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- A driving passion for FTP’s mission to reduce the number of people serving excessive sentences across the nation, end institutional racism, and restore human dignity to the incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and all who are impacted by the criminal justice system
- A JD from an accredited law school
- Current membership in good standing in at least one State Bar
- Experience working in a team environment, with a diverse group of organizations, in a culturally competent manner, across a wide range of sectors
- Ability to adapt to the changing needs of our growing organization
- Ability to effectively manage time and ensure the completion of projects on schedule
- Effectiveness as a motivated self-starter with the ability to support others in their effort to prioritize, plan and manage projects, and ultimately achieve overall deliverables
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to inspire confidence and trust, as well as convey diplomacy and good judgment when engaging with a broad array of stakeholders
- Strong attention to detail and ability to handle multiple projects at once
- A strong working proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Box, Zoom, Monday.com, or equivalents
- Fluency in information management and case management software programs preferred
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide group of stakeholders including incarcerated people and their support networks, prosecutors, community leaders and advocates, government officials, defense attorneys, law students, prison officials
- Experience working and supporting community-based organizations or experience working in a legal aid organization, criminal defense background a plus
Location
We believe there is great value in working and collaborating face-to-face, therefore our preference is to have the Program Staff Attorney located in California and able to work in our Oakland office a minimum of 2 days per week. However, we are open to considering a flexible arrangement for the right candidate.
Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience; Salary range $70K – $80K
- 100%-paid benefits package for the employee, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, holidays and paid time off
- 25 paid hours for professional development/coaching
- Option to enroll in our 403(b) retirement plan
How To Apply
Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
Submit the information below at: https://www.fortheppl.org/join-our-team
- a resume;
- cover letter that describes why you are interested in the role and your qualifications;
- three references from people familiar with your qualifications.
Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and Equity Statement
FTP works every day to serve justice and that begins with our team. We are inclusive. We celebrate multiple approaches and points of view. We believe diversity drives creativity, understanding and effectiveness, so we are continuing to build a culture where difference is not only valued but sought after. We strive to create a team that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full authentic selves to work.
Request for Accommodations
If you require accommodations to review and/or apply for this position please contact For The People at info@fortheppl.org and appropriate accommodations will be provided.
Please note that applicants must be fully COVID vaccinated to be eligible for consideration.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States to be considered for this role.
For the People is an Equal Opportunity Employer and wants our staff to reflect the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including formerly incarcerated and/or system-involved individuals. We look at each applicant’s full experience and consider each applicant. We encourage people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system and its impacts are strongly encouraged to apply.