Policy Counsel

About The Innocence Project

The Innocence Project is dedicated to freeing wrongfully convicted individuals, preventing future wrongful convictions, and fostering a criminal justice system that is just, compassionate, and equitable. Guided by scientific advances and a commitment to anti-racism, the organization has utilized DNA evidence and other scientific methods to exonerate more than 250 people who spent over 3,600 years unjustly imprisoned. Their advocacy has led to the enactment of more than 200 state and federal legislative reforms. They continue to work toward systemic change and advancing the innocence movement.

Position Overview

The Policy Counsel will support the Policy Department's mission to promote criminal justice reforms that enhance fairness and reduce wrongful convictions through state and federal advocacy. Reporting to the Director of Policy, this role involves strategic planning, extensive legal research, legislation drafting, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to advance key policy objectives. The position requires expertise in legal and policy analysis, exceptional writing skills, and an ability to work independently within a values-centered and inclusive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed legal and policy research tracking state and federal legislation, regulations, and emerging legal trends influencing criminal justice reform and wrongful conviction prevention.
• Support state-level policy initiatives through comparative analysis of criminal justice laws, legislative histories, fiscal notes, and relevant case law.
• Create and update policy resources including fact sheets, position papers, reports, and advocacy materials adapted for diverse audiences.
• Draft and revise legislation, regulations, and court rule amendments in partnership with state advocates and cross-departmental teams.
• Manage the Policy Department's knowledge base, ensuring it includes current materials and reflects the latest developments.
• Lead initiatives assigned by the Director of Policy, including managing the high court rules reform strategy and federal legislative agenda assistance.
• Facilitate collaboration with other departments such as Strategic Litigation, Post-conviction Litigation, and Data Science to align strategies and identify emerging issues.
• Develop and maintain external relationships with criminal justice reform organizations and participate in relevant coalitions, task forces, and working groups.
• Represent the Innocence Project at public events, hearings, conferences, and media engagements to advocate for policy change.
• Supervise and mentor legal interns, externs, and fellows within the Policy Department.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a mission-driven lawyer with at least three years of public policy experience and a JD degree. They must be a current member or eligible for admission to the New York bar shortly after hire. The attorney should have deep knowledge of court rule-making processes, strong legal research proficiency using tools like LexisNexis or WestLaw, and the ability to synthesize complex legal information into clear, accessible advocacy content.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills demonstrated through clear, persuasive writing and effective public speaking.
• Strong problem-solving aptitude, attention to detail, and ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build trust and sustain productive relationships with diverse stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Self-motivated with excellent organizational skills and a proactive approach to driving projects forward.
• A demonstrated commitment to social justice, equity, and the core values of the Innocence Project, including accountability, empathy, and person-centeredness.

Additional Information

This full-time role is based in New York, NY with a hybrid work model requiring three days per week onsite, including a mandatory mid-week "anchor day." Approximately 5% travel is expected. Visa sponsorship is not available and applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Compensation and Benefits

The organization offers highly competitive salary and an attractive benefits package featuring fully paid individual health, dental, and vision coverage, flexible spending accounts, a 401k plan with company match, paid disability and family care leave, reimbursement for adoption and fertility expenses, and employer-paid transportation benefits.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Innocence Project values workforce diversity as essential to its success and encourages applications from individuals across all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those with connections to the criminal legal system. It is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to creating an inclusive environment.