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Innocence Project New Orleans (IPNO)

Executive and Legal Coordinator

Start Date: Immediate

Open Until Filled

About IPNO

IPNO 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.

Founded in 2001, IPNO has freed or exonerated 64 individuals from all across Louisiana. IPNO 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, and advocates for law and policy changes to make our criminal legal system more just and fair.

About the Position:

IPNO seeks an experienced executive assistant/paralegal to work closely with the Executive Director and the legal team to provide substantive and administrative support to the Executive Director and her leadership team.

Primary Responsibilities:

• There are two core components of this position. The first set of core duties are to support the Executive Director and her leadership team.
  • Support with scheduling meetings and appointments.
  • Assist with travel arrangements and meeting preparations, including agendas, notes, presentations, etc.
  • Draft internal and external correspondence and materials.
  • Assist with email management.
  • Provide comprehensive administrative support, including file organization, updating data and systems, copying, scanning, collating, etc.
  • Complete invoicing, expense reports, reimbursements, and reconciliations.
  • Discretely handle sensitive and/or confidential information.
• The second set of core duties are to support the Executive Director, LLEAD, and the legal team with investigative and litigation support.
  • Prepare court documents for filing, including proofreading, formatting in accordance with court requirements, checking citations, creating tables of authorities and tables of contents, and assembling exhibits for inclusion in the record appendix.
  • Provide courtroom support for legal proceedings, including assisting with courtroom technology, note-taking, preparing exhibits and exhibit lists, and assisting with witnesses.
  • File and serve legal pleadings in various courts across Louisiana, monitor local rules and filing processes, and track case dockets.
  • Organize and maintain electronic and hard-copy files and databases for cases.
  • Conduct general internet research and legal research.
  • Prepare and pursue public records requests.
  • Analyze records and data obtained and generate summary reports.

IPNO is a small nonprofit legal office therefore, in addition to their primary duties, the Executive and Legal Coordinator will be expected to assist as necessary with other aspects of IPNO’s work. IPNO is a client-centered office where teamwork and collaboration is paramount to ensure IPNO’s overall effectiveness and success.

Required Qualifications:

• Understanding and appreciation of mission and values of the organization.
• Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills.
• Well versed in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), email and calendar management, Dropbox, Google Workspace, Zoom, Slack, and basic office equipment.
• Comfort handling complex trial court and appellate court filings.
• Analytical skills necessary to independently collect, analyze, and interpret data.
• Proactive and resourceful approach to identifying and resolving administrative and clerical challenges and developing alternative solutions.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
• Ability to work effectively with racially and culturally diverse groups of people, including staff, clients and their families, students, volunteers, interns, board members, community members, court personnel, records custodians, attorneys, members of law enforcement, including prosecution, and others.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.
• Self-directed and proven ability to effectively manage multiple tasks, prioritize workloads, and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records and files.
• Driver’s License

Preferences for the role:

• Existing ties to Louisiana
• Personal vehicle (for which IPNO fully reimburses work-related mileage).
• 2+ years of experience working in criminal legal and/or social justice organization as a legal assistant/paralegal.

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range is $42,000 – $60,000, commensurate with experience. IPNO offers a highly competitive and generous benefits package, including medical/dental/vision, 30 days of of paid vacation, Federal holidays, 401k match, and cell phone reimbursement. IPNO provides a work environment that encourages health and self-care. IPNO is a family and pet friendly workplace.

How to Apply:

Start Date: Immediate. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please e-mail a cover letter, a resume, and three references to openings@ip-no.org. Please specify a salary demand in your cover letter. Please include the job title in the e-mail subject line. Please do not call. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

IPNO 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, caregiver status. IPNO 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.