University of California - Berkeley

This is a staff attorney for the Criminal Law & Justice Center to support substantive legal work on behalf of the Center.. The attorney may work on amicus briefs, direct services work, impact litigation, delivering on MOUs with government agencies, providing legal guidance to community partners and coalitions, and more.. The attorney will be expected to help research, draft, and file amicus briefs on a wide range of criminal justice related topics.. Conducts legal research and writing on cases and projects that fall within the scope and focus of the Criminal Law & Justice Center.. Drafts and files amicus briefs, motions and other materials on a wide range of criminal justice related topics.

staff attorney

About Berkeley At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.
The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.
We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.
At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.
Departmental Overview
UC Berkeley's School of Law is one of the nation's great centers for legal education, ever exploring and pushing new intellectual boundaries while tackling urgent, real-world issues. The law school is also known for its vibrant and engaged community of students and scholars who are committed to providing leadership and making a difference on problems of local, national and global import. Currently ranked among the top law schools in the country, the School of Law has ambitious development goals as it looks to continue producing leaders in law, government, and society.
Criminal Law & Justice Center is a hub for research, education and advocacy. Blending a data-driven approach with zealous advocacy, the center offers empirical insights into the intricacies of the legal system and policy outcomes. We harness the wealth of perspectives, experiences and expertise that our students and faculty bring to bridge the gap between scholarship and real-world impact.
This is a staff attorney for the Criminal Law & Justice Center to support substantive legal work on behalf of the Center. This position exists because the Center engages in a wide range of legal research and advocacy that requires dedicated attorneys with civil and criminal experience. The attorney may work on amicus briefs, direct services work, impact litigation, delivering on MOUs with government agencies, providing legal guidance to community partners and coalitions, and more.
The candidate will need to be licensed to practice law in California. The ideal candidate will have criminal and civil litigation experience. The attorney will be expected to help research, draft, and file amicus briefs on a wide range of criminal justice related topics. The attorney will be expected to be able to review complex criminal case files, make appearances in court, help research, draft, and argue pleadings, and interact with individual, government, or organizational clients. The attorney will be expected to work well in broad, diverse coalitions that may include law firms, other universities, community-based organizations and more.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: Thursday, April 4, 2024
Responsibilities
Supports Center cases and projects at the direction of the Executive Director.
Conducts legal research and writing on cases and projects that fall within the scope and focus of the Criminal Law & Justice Center.
Drafts and files amicus briefs, motions and other materials on a wide range of criminal justice related topics.
Mentors and works with student intern researchers to provide feedback and manage projects.
Consults with coalition partners to meet litigation filing deadlines, and offer legal services or trainings consistent with negotiated agreements or joint grants.
Meets and consults with potential clients to file amicus briefs, offer advice memos, or training materials.
Liaises with Center partners and/or other stakeholders as necessary in order to gather information necessary to move litigation or policy projects forward.
Assists with case investigation and development by: Reviewing and analyzing discovery and other case documentation;
Assisting in determining scope, timing and direction of the investigation;
Reviewing case records and filings, and analyze options. Makes court appearances as needed.
Performs additional duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Advanced knowledge in criminal law and practice.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and influence, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.
Advanced project management and organizational skills.
Experience practicing criminal (litigation and or legislation/policy).
Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
Advanced analytical / problem-solving skills.
Proven abilities in collaboration, facilitation, and strategic and creative thinking.
Thorough understanding of complex legal issues.
In-depth research skills to draft accurate, complete and persuasive legal documents, such as pleadings, legal responses, affidavits, position statements and briefs.
Demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical standards.
Strong attention to detail.
Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and ability to apply and integrate core concepts of DEIB into everyday practice.
Commitment to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included.
Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community.
Education/Training:
Advanced degree in related area, such as a Juris Doctor.
A member in good standing of the CA Bar Association
Preferred Qualifications
Experience practicing civil law.
Salary & Benefits
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $115,000.00 - $122,000.00.
This is a 100%, full-time (40 hours per week), career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.
This position is exempt and paid monthly.
This is a hybrid position, eligible for up to 20% remote capability.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
Conviction History Background
This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.
For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, please see the University of California Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action in the Workplace policy. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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