– POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Law Fellow
or Staff Attorney

Start Date: Immediate or Fall 2026 for graduating J.D. candidates
Open Until Filled

IJLA’s Mission

Innocence & Justice Louisiana frees innocent people sentenced to life in prison and those serving unjust sentences. We recognize the root causes of wrongful convictions and unjust sentences as systemic racism and inequities. We work to expose and address these root causes by sharing our clients’ stories in court, the legislature, the community and the media. We support our clients living well and fully in the world after their release.

About IJLA

Innocence & Justice Louisiana, formerly Innocence Project New Orleans, is the only nonprofit law firm in Louisiana focused on non-capital post-conviction relief representation and long-term support after release. We also drive systemic reform—challenging the laws and practices that have made Louisiana the most incarcerated place on Earth and one of the wrongful conviction capitals of the world.

Founded in 2001, IJLA, has freed or exonerated 76 people. IJLA developed and teaches the first Wrongful Conviction Clinic at LSU Law School, built and is continually expanding the Louisiana Law Enforcement Accountability Database (https://llead.co/) to promote transparency and accountability in policing, and advocates for law and policy changes to make our criminal legal system more just and fairer. 

About the Position: 

This is an entry-level attorney position. We are accepting applications from currently-licensed attorneys as well as from J.D. candidates who anticipate graduating in Spring 2026. While we are willing to hire immediately, we will also hold the position for the right graduating applicant who can join us in the Fall of 2026. This is an in-person position.

The core role of an IJLA staff attorney is to manage and litigate cases from the point at which the potential client is identified until the moment the client is freed or exonerated.

This requires the attorney to:

  • Plan and direct post-conviction factual investigations working with IJLA’s staff investigators. Gather and review voluminous case records in a methodical, efficient manner. Most IJLA cases involve dozens of witnesses and thousands of pages of documents.
  • Craft and plan clear case and litigation strategy to win.
  • Possess thorough legal research skills. Write extensive pleadings, legal memos, briefs and motions.
  • Conduct evidentiary hearings and oral arguments.
  • Work with a wide-range of forensic and other experts, and manage DNA and other forensic testing.
  • Negotiate with prosecutors.
  • Work with IJLA’s Client Services Division and assist with post-release planning for clients.
  • Communicate effectively with potential clients, clients and their family members.

** IJLA is a small nonprofit legal office where, in addition to their primary duties, all staff is expected to assist as necessary with other aspects of IJLA’s work. IJLA is a client-focused office where teamwork and collaboration to ensure IJLA’s overall effectiveness and success is imperative.**

Required Qualifications:

  • J.D. or equivalent, along with license to practice law in Louisiana, or willingness to take the Louisiana bar exam. If applicant is a candidate for a J.D. in the Spring of 2026, applicant should be willing to take Louisiana bar exam in July 2026.
  • Client-centered approach and understanding of legal representation.
  • Excellent analytic and writing skills. Ability to construct cogent legal arguments.
  • Computer literacy, including experience using common office software.
  • Good oral advocacy skills and experience litigating in court.
  • The ability to communicate and work cooperatively with a wide range of people, including government personnel and officials, law enforcement, attorneys, records custodians, students, imprisoned individuals and their families, and members of the community.
  • Honed organizational skills and time management skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team, and receive constructive feedback.
  • Ability to effectively delegate to and supervise investigators, law clerks and volunteers.
  • Ability to travel extensively throughout Louisiana.
  • Willingness to work irregular hours when necessary.
  • Valid driver’s license.

Preferences for the role:

  • Existing ties to Louisiana.
  • Training or work experience in the criminal legal system and criminal litigation.
  • Understanding of DNA testing.
  • Knowledge of other forensic disciplines.

Salary and benefits:

The salary range for this position is $60,000-$70,000, to be determined commensurate with experience, with a very competitive benefits package including medical/dental coverage, 30 days of paid vacation, and 401k match. We observe federal holidays, and the office is closed the week between Christmas and New Year’s.

Application

The position will be open until filled. Please e-mail a cover letter, C.V., 3 references, and a writing sample (no longer than 10 pages) to openings@justicelouisiana.org.  Please include a salary demand in your cover letter. Please include the job title in the e-mail subject line. Do not call.

IJLA is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse work force reflective of the diverse communities we serve and support, with regard to race, culture, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, and caregiver status. IJLA works to advance racial justice and equity. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and legal system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.