Managing Staff Attorney, NJ Innocence Project Criminal and Youth Justice Clinic; Research

Position Details

• Recruitment/Posting
  
  Title:
  
  Managing Staff Attorney, NJ Innocence Project for Criminal and Youth Justice Clinic (Research Associate)
• Department: Law School Newark
• Salary Details: $110,000-$140,000 (Grant Funded Offer; contingent on funding and/or program needs)
• Offer Information: The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including the candidate’s qualifications, experience, expertise, and availability of department or grant funds. Market benchmarks and internal equity will be considered. The university is committed to competitive and flexible compensation packages.
• Benefits: Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Benefits include:
  • Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
  • Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax‑deferred savings options
  • Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
  • Life insurance coverage
  • Employee discount programs
• Posting
  
  Summary:
  
  Rutgers Law School seeks a full‑time Managing Staff Attorney for the New Jersey Innocence Project. Responsibilities include legal representation and advocacy to those seeking exoneration for wrongful conviction, overseeing case screening and investigation, collaborating with pro‑bono partners and advisory board, seeking external funding sources, and participating in statewide justice reform initiatives and community education. The Managing Attorney may be resident at the Newark or Camden location of the Law School.
• Position Status: Full Time
• Posting Number: 25FA0958
• Posting Open Date: 01/15/2026
• Posting Close Date: 01/31/2026

• Earned JD or LLB degree, admitted to the Bar of any state; if not admitted to the New Jersey Bar, willing and eligible to seek admission immediately.
• Minimum of 5‑7 years of experience practicing criminal defense or handling innocence cases in New Jersey (preferred) or another jurisdiction.

• Passion for representing wrongfully convicted people.
• Prior experience in policy advocacy, preferably in wrongful convictions and criminal/juvenile legal system reform.
• Experience serving in a leadership role in a mission‑driven setting.
• Experience with budget oversight.
• Professional legal criminal defense experience, preference for post‑conviction litigation in state and/or federal courts.
• Ability to develop strong relationships across a diverse spectrum of stakeholders and work well with private, government, and not‑for‑profit leaders.
• Organizational acumen.
• Ability to work well with partners and partner organizations.
• Excellent public speaking and communication skills.
• Development and fundraising experience.

• Valid driver’s license.
• Willingness to travel regularly between the Camden and Newark campuses; additional travel may be necessary.

• Provide legal representation to individuals claiming actual innocence and manage legal representation by partner entities.
• Work with and supervise staff, pro bono counsel, students, and others during investigation and litigation of cases.
• Identify causes of wrongful convictions and develop reforms to prevent them.
• Lead day‑to‑day operations of the NJ Innocence Project, cultivating a collaborative culture and motivating a diverse staff.
• Supervise NJ Innocence Project staff members and volunteers (number varies with case load).
• Develop and manage the budget, maintain accurate records, analyze data, and report to funders and Rutgers senior administration.
• Fulfill reporting requirements for National Innocence Network membership and represent the Project at conferences.
• Maintain relationships with Rutgers Law School administration, faculty, staff, and students; cultivate strategic partnerships with courts, pro bono departments, public defender units, and other entities to enhance the Project’s effectiveness.
• Educate the public about wrongful convictions and build community support; create community of exonerees and families.
• Develop and execute development goals and strategies with the Project Director; report regularly as required.
• Coordinate student…