Legal Assistant, Post-Conviction Justice Project

Founded in 1896, the Gould School of Law has a distinguished past built on the principles of equity and excellence, and the courage to break new ground. USC first introduced legal education in Southern California. Today, the Law School continues to make history through its philosophy of innovation and through its people. USC Gould cultivates analytical ability, ethical values, and a spirit of collegiality that prepare students for meaningful careers benefitting society. It was one of the first law schools to engage students in clinical programs and remains a leader in experiential education.

About the Post-Conviction Justice Project

The Post-Conviction Justice Project (PCJP) at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law is a clinical education program where professors and law students advocate for second chances for clients serving life-term sentences in California prisons through legal representation at parole hearings and on state and federal habeas corpus, post-conviction resentencing proceedings at the trial and appellate court levels, and on applications for executive clemency. The mission of PCJP is to develop law students’ potential to be skilled and ethical advocates through the experience of providing deserving clients with zealous legal representation. Learn more at www.uscjustice.org.

Team Overview

The PCJP team includes two faculty Co-Directors, a Supervising Attorney and Adjunct Clinical Professor of Law, an Assistant Director of Development and Communications, a Chief Operations and Case Manager, a Legal Fellow, 20 to 30 California State Bar certified law students, and undergraduate student clerical workers. The certified law students provide legal representation to clients, full-time during the summer and part-time for academic credit during the fall and spring semesters.

Position

PCJP is seeking an experienced Legal Assistant to undertake a variety of administrative and clerical tasks. The primary objective of this position is to sustain efficiency of clinic processes and procedures, and to support attorneys and students in legal representation.

Reporting to the co-directors and Chief Operations and Case Manager of PCJP, the Legal Assistant will be responsible for:

• Performing filings of court documents (experience with TrueFiling strongly preferred).
• Assisting with academic tasks including: distributing and organizing class materials, scheduling and coordinating travel for class speakers and guests.
• Overseeing and completing clerical tasks including: reviewing and submitting student reimbursements, maintaining and ordering supplies, receiving and scanning mail.
• Serving as liaison with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) institutions and clinic students to obtain clearances, schedule legal visits, and obtain records.
• Preparing, editing, and formatting legal documents, pleadings and correspondence.
• Maintaining database of released clients.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

This is an exempt, full-time, fixed-term position for two years, with extension contingent on funding. The position will begin July 1, 2023 (or earlier if the candidate is available).

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate has a personal commitment to education and social justice and a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of system-impacted people. System-impacted candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate:

• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Excel and in Westlaw and/or LexisNexis.
• Ability and willingness to work on campus to work directly with clinic staff and students.
• Spanish fluency preferred, not required.
• Experience with, demonstrated commitment to, and cultural competency for working within a diverse client and student community.
• Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills.
• 5 years of experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, or other comparable position.
• Sense of humor, positive attitude, self-awareness.
• Attention to detail and ability to organize workflow, coordinate activities, balance simultaneous projects without loss of efficiency in a multi-tasked environment, and manage multiple priorities to meet deadlines.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

How to Apply

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis but should be submitted electronically no later than 5:00 PM PDT on June 30, 2023. Applications should consist of a letter describing relevant experience; a cv; and three references.

Location

USC University Park Campus, Gould School of Law, 699 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles CA, 90089

Salary and Benefits

The annual base salary range for this position is $60,000 - $70,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Learn more about our benefits and perks here: https://employees.usc.edu/benefits-perks/

DEI Statement

Equity, diversity, inclusion, opportunity and access are of central importance to the Gould School of Law (Gould). Gould holds a unique position in society, and within the university, as every aspect of these principles are influenced by and can be protected through legal rules and institutions. At Gould, we are proudly committed to maintaining a community in which each person respects the rights of others to live, work, and learn in peace and dignity, to be proud of who and what they are, and to have equal opportunity to realize their full potential as individuals and members of society.

Minimum Education: Juris Doctor (JD) Minimum Experience: 3 years Minimum Skills: Demonstrated experience providing legal guidance. Proven leadership ability. Practiced use of discretion and decision-making ability. Excellent written and oral communication skills and a proven ability to build and maintain deep and meaningful relationships with community members and outside agencies.