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Intake Coordinator

The Arizona Justice Project (“AJP”) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to seeking justice for the innocent and correcting cases of manifest injustice in the Arizona criminal justice system. The AJP provides pro bono legal representation to indigent individuals who have been wrongfully convicted in Arizona or have been unjustly punished.  

In 28 years of operation, AJP has secured the release of 52 individuals in Arizona who were wrongly convicted or suffered a manifest injustice; litigated cases that have had an impact on hundreds of prisoners state-wide and provides vital re-entry services to client upon release from incarceration. There is an ongoing need for the legal services AJP provides in Arizona such as an examination of the causes of, and best practices to prevent, wrongful convictions, as well as ways to ensure the criminal justice system in more fair and just for all. 

The Role

We are currently seeking a full-time Intake Coordinator to manage AJP’s intake practice which includes reviewing and responding to all prisoner mail to determine if the case meets criteria for case investigation and possible future representation. 

The Intake Coordinator conducts the initial case review of all incoming correspondence from incarcerated individuals, is responsible for responding to the person seeking assistance, conducting conflicts checks, reviewing the screening questionnaire and further investigating the case – including locating records, reviewing court files, and sometimes interviewing prior counsel. 

The initial review is designed to help determine whether the incarcerated individual falls within the criteria of cases that AJP accepts, wherein the person may have a viable claim of innocence or has suffered a manifest injustice that warrants further investigation. 

The Intake Coordinator works closely with legal staff to recommend which cases proceed to further review and investigation.  An understanding of Arizona criminal procedure is a plus! 

The Highlights

Title: Intake Coordinator
Status: Exempt; Full-time, Salaried
Salary: $60,000‒$80,000
Benefits: Health / Dental / Vision Insurance (Employer covers 100% of premium), 4 weeks PTO, 401k, Holiday Pay
Reports to: Executive Director

 

Duties and Responsibilities 

Incoming Correspondence

  • Obtain, date, and log all incoming mail.
  • Answer incoming emails, phone calls, and correspondence related to case review.
  • Update AJP’s case data management system (CLIO) with all incoming correspondence and case activities.
  • Conduct conflicts checks from preliminary questionnaires received from individuals requesting representation.
  • Draft letter responses to prisoners or family members who contact AJP for assistance.

Case Management

  • Oversee case assignments for staff attorneys, volunteer attorneys, and interns.
  • Help schedule witness interviews, legal calls, prison visits, and trips to view evidence.
  • Assist in maintaining case files both physically and electronically.
  • Assist in keeping CLIO, a case management database, up to date.
  • Assist with public records requests to various agencies.

Skills and Competencies

  • Ability to manage, organize, and prioritize a high volume of tasks, communications, and case-related materials in a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, identify needs, and move tasks forward with minimal supervision while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and compassionately with a wide range of individuals including people seeking assistance, family members, attorneys, investigators, and other stakeholders.
  • Ability to handle sensitive, confidential information with professionalism and sound judgment.
  • Working knowledge of legal processes, terminology, and documentation, particularly within criminal law or post-conviction work, preferred.
  • Comfortable managing individual responsibilities while also working closely with legal staff, investigators, and other team members.
  • Ability to accurately track information, maintain records, and ensure that case-related materials are organized and complete.
  • Ability to engage respectfully and empathetically with individuals and families navigating difficult circumstances.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and admission to practice law in Arizona or eligibility for admission via reciprocity is preferred. Candidates with significant relevant experience and paralegal training, certification, or equivalent legal support experience will also be considered.
  • Demonstrated experience in an administrative, intake, client services, legal support, or case coordination role.
  • Familiarity with the legal system, legal processes, or legal documentation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate professionally and compassionately with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

This position is based in Phoenix, Arizona, with the option to work up to 2 days per week remotely, except when case or other organizational demands require additional on-site support.  Travel throughout the state of Arizona to acquire case records or conduct necessary case evaluation tasks will be necessary. Occasional training and professional development may be required.

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume to info@azjusticeproject.org. 

Be sure to address in your cover letter your interest in the position and the ways in which you satisfy the competencies and qualifications listed above.  Include “Intake Coordinator” in the subject line of your email. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

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 and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

 

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.