Managing Attorney

The Access Project, Inc., a startup non-profit legal services provider, is seeking an attorney to direct our post-conviction relief programs, including our flagship Rising Scholars program, which serves justice-impacted community college students throughout California. 

About The Access Project

The Access Project was founded in 2019 to transform the role of pro bono community in the effort increase access to justice. We use technology and human-centered design principles to create effective tools to scale legal services.

We are a small but growing organization. There will be substantial opportunities for advancement, including the opportunity to be considered for the Executive Director role in 2-3 years.

 About the Position

The Managing Attorney for Clean Slate Programs will oversee our burgeoning California clean slate services program. The Managing Attorney will assume responsibility for our established Rising Scholars Clean Slate program, which delivers post-conviction relief to thousands community college students throughout the state, using our proprietary RAP analysis tool and volunteer services platform.

The Managing Attorney will collaborate with the Executive Director on developing new avenues for applying our program to scale services and will be The Access Project’s representative in coalition-wide efforts to improve post-conviction remedies and access to justice.

Requirements

Active California Bar membership

Responsibilities

Manage Rising Scholars Clean Slate Program
·       coordinate with California Community Colleges to provide clean slate services to justice-impacted students at CCCs

·       organize and lead Know-Your-Rights and program kickoff events at participating schools

·       organize and lead trainings and workshops for pro bono volunteers

·       review and correct volunteer work in volunteer portal

·       manage student declaration program, including directing students’ efforts, assigning volunteers, and reviewing declarations

·       answer student and volunteer questions

·       oversee student communications; supervise student communications coordinator

·       hold one-to-one virtual meetings with students before petition filing

·       oversee case filing; supervise filing clerk

·       produce progress and outcome reports for all stakeholders

·       manage relationships with DAs, public defenders, and court staff

·       maintain content on Rising Scholars Clean Slate website
 

Collaborate on other California clean slate opportunities

·       with Executive Director, consider other avenues for scaling post-conviction services, including

·     know your rights presentations to community partners

·     training sessions with volunteer partners

·     distribution of the RAP analysis tool to other legal services organizations

·     expansion of existing programs beyond Rising Scholars.

Maintain volunteer portal

·       update volunteer training materials and resources

·       update RAP analysis tool as needed to respond to volunteer work outcomes and new laws

·       remain up to date on all relevant changes in post-conviction relief

Represent The Access Project in re-entry legal services groups
·       attend re-entry group meetings

·       track and comment on legislation

·       attend and/or speak at legal services and tech conferences as requested by the Executive Director

Analyze and report on results

·       track and report on client outcomes

·       analyze data for use in potential legislative advocacy and process implementation recommendations

Benefits

·      Generous PTO and holiday schedule

·      Paid health insurance premiums

·      Paid bar dues and professional liability insurance

·      Flexible work schedule may be available after orientation period

Significant opportunities for advancement and exposure in the broader legal services community, such as speaking roles at key conferences and legislative advocacy leadership. 

We are a small but growing organization. There will be substantial opportunities for advancement, including the opportunity to be considered for the Executive Director role in 2-3 years.