The Arizona Justice Project (“AJP”) is a nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to exonerating the innocent and correcting cases of manifest injustice in Arizona since 1998. The AJP investigates claims of wrongful conviction and provides pro bono legal representation to individuals who are innocent or who have suffered a manifest injustice.

In Arizona, the vast number of people in prison seeking help to prove their innocence in the post-conviction setting do not have a right to an attorney nor can they afford one. In the past 26 years, the AJP has secured the release of 50 individuals. There is an ongoing need for the direct legal services that the AJP provides to the marginalized and forgotten of the Arizona criminal justice system.

We are currently seeking a full-time Larry Hammond Justice Fellow to assist with post-conviction case review, fact investigation, legal research, and post-conviction litigation proceedings. This is a 1-year position starting in September 2025.

This Fellowship is in honor of the late Larry Hammond, a nationally renowned criminal defense, death penalty, and civil rights lawyer. Larry founded the AJP in 1998, which at that time was the 5th innocence organization in the country. In addition to Larry’s dedication to correcting injustices, his demonstrated commitment to developing young lawyers into skilled litigators compassionate about helping the less fortunate is unmatched.

Title: Larry Hammond Justice Fellow
Position Type: Full-Time, Salaried
Salary: $55,000 per year
Benefits: Health/Dental/Vision Insurance, PTO, 401K Plan, and Holiday Pay

 

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Investigate criminal cases in the post-conviction setting where the person is claiming he or she is innocent
• Gather, review, and memorialize entire case records (trial records, appellate records, police reports, lab reports, etc.) to understand the case, facts at trial, and procedural history. 
• Identify routes of investigation and/or analysis of physical evidence and expert review necessary to uncover evidence that supports a claim of innocence. 
• Communicate with inmates, defense attorneys, prosecutors, witnesses, and others involved in a case.
• Consult with experts in various scientific and medical fields. 
• Draft and prepare legal memorandum, post-conviction pleadings for state and/or federal court, and Petitions for Review, as needed.
• Conduct thorough and accurate legal research and memos, to support the legal team in various cases and projects.
• Assist AJP attorneys litigating cases, including drafting and editing pleadings and briefs, and representation at an evidentiary hearing or oral argument before the trial court, court of appeals, Board of Executive Clemency, and/or supreme court. 
• Regularly communicate with the AJP staff about the status of cases.

Minimum Qualifications

• Admission to the Arizona State Bar or willingness to sit for the Arizona State Bar at the next available time and apply for prompt admission to the Arizona Bar.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and ability to effectively articulate information.   
• Understanding and dedication to the AJP’s work and to indigent representation.
• Ability to work independently without close oversight, and also as a team player who can work collaboratively with others. 
• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to set and meet deadlines. 
• Intelligence and sound judgment necessary for interacting with inmates, attorneys, students, and others from a wide variety of backgrounds. 
• Spanish speaking and experience in post-conviction and/or criminal defense litigation is a plus.

Deadline

December 31, 2024

How to Apply

Send a Cover Letter, Writing Sample, and Resume to [email protected], describing your interest in this position, your interest in the Arizona Justice Project, and the ways in which you satisfy the qualifications specified above. Include “Larry Hammond Justice Fellow Application” in the subject line of your email. Submissions without all of the above elements will not be considered.

To learn more about the Arizona Justice Project, please visit: www.azjusticeproject.org.

The Arizona Justice Project is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability and veteran status.