Korey Wise Innocence Project Attorney
Requisition Number: 64260
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: University Staff
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 20-May-2025
Date Posted:
Job Summary
The Korey Wise Innocence Project (https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=6215159&targetURL=https://www.colorado.edu/outreach/korey-wise-innocence-project/) (KWIP) is a project of the University of Colorado Law School, and is currently hiring for an Attorney! The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has provided KWIP with a list of criminal cases where CBI analysts conducted hair microscopy (a forensic field discredited by DNA). One of our staff attorneys has been working through this list of cases. This past year, the Denver District Attorney's office gave KWIP an additional list of hair microscopy cases. This program will be enlarged to look at other forms of discredited forensic evidence such as bullet comparison and tool mark comparison, which can be discredited by DNA testing. In 2024, KWIP applied for and was awarded an additional Department of Justice (DOJ) grant to fund an additional staff attorney position to continue to work on our hair microscopy project and other cases in which DNA testing could establish innocence. This role will supervise a review of the CBI hair microscopy cases and similar cases from other state agencies, and will have primary responsibility for these cases as they move through screening processes, DNA testing, and exoneration if warranted. The selected cases will be screened to determine whether inaccurate and unreliable expert testimony was admitted at trial (or whether the expert's conclusions were used as leverage to secure a plea agreement), whether discredited forensic science evidence was material to the conviction, and whether new DNA testing could demonstrate actual innocence. As appropriate, the staff attorney will conduct investigations, negotiate or litigate for new DNA testing, and raise new evidence claims in post-conviction litigation.
Law students at Colorado Law (https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=6215159&targetURL=https://www.colorado.edu/law/) can volunteer or complete an externship for credit with KWIP. This position supervises teams of students in gathering case documents, carefully reviewing trial testimony and other pertinent parts of the record, and drafting case memos. The role will assist law students in presenting their case memos to KWIP's review committee. When the Review Committee approves a case for investigation and possible litigation, this position works with law students to conduct an investigation and pursue DNA testing. If new evidence of innocence is developed through investigation or testing, the role seeks relief in court through post-conviction litigation.
The staff attorney may be assigned other cases that fit into grant criteria but do not involve hair microscopy.
This position is grant-funded for a term of three years.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
At the Colorado Law School (https://www.colorado.edu/law/) , we are an engaged, diverse, and welcoming community of students, staff, faculty, and alumni who help one another succeed. Our selective admissions process keeps our student body small, enabling our faculty, staff, alumni, and community to invest deeply in each student's success. Because we take our responsibility to educate and train future lawyers very seriously, our curriculum, research centers, and experiential learning opportunities are crafted to prepare students for success in today's changing legal environment.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Screen, develop, and litigate cases that involve unreliable forensic evidence and identify avenues of DNA testing that could demonstrate innocence. More specifically, the position will:
Develop a protocol for reviewing hair microscopy cases and other forensic-based cases that satisfies the DOJ's criteria and ensure cases are reviewed in a timely and thorough manner.
Gather and review initial materials for cases on the CBI list.
Negotiate for disclosures from other state agencies that conducted hair microscopy or other discredited forensic analyses.
Gather and review transcripts and other records in cases where discredited forensic analyses may have been introduced at trial or used as leverage to secure a plea agreement. Use these materials to evaluate the role that discredited forensic analysis evidence played in each person's conviction.
Manage long-term case strategy and problem-solving for all cases under review. For cases approved for investigation and/or new forensic testing, consider appropriate negotiation and litigation strategies.
Develop relationships with local DA's offices and law enforcement agencies to facilitate the review of cases.
Supervise and instruct law students, one-on-one, on how to gather and evaluate materials, read transcripts, and build case memos.
Manage DNA and other forensic testing to ensure DOJ guidelines are satisfied and resources are used effectively to achieve the best results for individual clients.
Draft motions, petitions, appeal briefs, and other filings.
Conduct evidentiary hearings as necessary.
KWIP is a small, close-knit organization. This role is expected to assist with other aspects of the organization's work, including fundraising, communications, event planning, policy, and office administration. KWIP is a client-focused office where partnership and collaboration, to ensure overall effectiveness and success, are expected and valued.
What You Should Know
This position is funded for three years, with the possibility of funding being extended.
This position will work in a hybrid work modality with an expected work schedule of Monday - Friday during regular business hours, though the role may need to meet outside of regular work hours at times.
What We Can Offer
The salary range for this position is $76,600 - $90,000 annually.
Benefits
The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits (https://www.colorado.edu/jobs/benefits) , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder (https://www.colorado.edu/about) .
Be Statements
Be resourceful. Be impactful. Be Boulder.
What We Require
A Juris Doctor degree.
Licensed to practice law in Colorado or eligible to be admitted on motion to the Colorado bar.
At least one year of litigation experience involving indigent defense or civil rights work.
Valid driver's license.
What You Will Need
Computer literacy, including experience using common office software.
Willingness to travel (largely in-state) and work irregular hours when necessary.
Ability to communicate and work harmoniously with a wide range of people, including government personnel and officials, law enforcement, attorneys, records custodians, students, prisoners and their families, litigation partners at law firms, and members of the community.
Excellent legal research and writing skills.
Good oral advocacy skills and experience litigating in court.
Excellent organizational skills.
Ability to work in a team and receive constructive feedback.
Ability to effectively delegate to and supervise law students and other volunteers.
Knowledge/experience concerning:
Post-conviction and federal habeas law.
DNA and other forensic evidence.
Applying the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA).
Developing investigative plans.
Interviewing witnesses and drafting statements/affidavits.
Advanced legal research skills.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
A current resume.
A cover letter that describes how your background and experience align with this position.
You will not be asked to upload references at this time.
Please apply by May 20, 2025 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs (http://jobs.colorado.edu/) .
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Korey-Wise-Innocence-Project-Attorney/64260 (https://apptrkr.com/6215159)
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The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
