The Community-Based and Reentry Support Services project is a new federally-funded initiative of the Center for Social Justice. The project will help people in Newark and Essex County in reentering the community after incarceration to address legal issues related to their ability to secure a job, health care, housing, and other essential services. The Practitioner in Residence will focus initially on developing a structure and tools to increase community involvement in post-release issues, including expungement and clemency, and addressing legal barriers imposed by criminal conviction as well as harms imposed by noncustodial supervision like parole and probation. Launching the project will include initial research to determine where resources would make the most impact. Online tools will be developed to help people assess their legal needs and pursue remedies available to them that facilitate reintegration. The Practitioner will work in the community to help individuals access and use that technology and will collaborate on legal challenges or amicus briefs that address legal issues of importance to the project's mission. A key aspect of the proposal is the mobile nature of the services which will be offered in community centers, in houses of worship, or at other public gathering spaces to work closely with the community. The Practitioner will collaborate with clinical faculty and will train and supervise law students. The anticipated salary for the position is $90,000 - $105,000, depending on experience.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Practitioner in Residence will:
a) Assist community members with law-related reentry issues through trainings, limited representation clinics, and direct representation, with the assistance of law students;
b) Develop tools and educational materials to assist individuals with law-related reentry issues in collaboration with community organizations, including development of a mobile law lab and/or other tools to provide greater access to resources for community members;
c) Undertake advocacy on reentry issues through tools such as legal challenges, amicus briefs, reports, opinion pieces, and other media;
d) Train and supervise law students in both the full-time and weekend programs as pro bono volunteers and externs;
e) Attend meetings with and develop connections to existing reentry organizations and coalitions; and,
f) Manage grant activities and reporting.
Required Qualifications:
The Practitioner will be responsible for managing their own litigation docket and schedule for community outreach, and may assist with other clinics. Applicants should have at least 3-5 years of experience handling cases and advocacy in areas such as expungements, child support modifications, driver’s license restorations, warrants and fines, clemency applications, and/or other legal matters that impact individuals who experience the collateral impacts of a criminal conviction.
To apply, you must be an attorney in good standing, licensed in New Jersey or able to seek admittance to the New Jersey bar at this time.
Desired Qualifications:
Prior legal experience in New Jersey is preferred, but not required. Experience in community organizing and/or grassroots advocacy is a plus.
Licenses and Certificates:
J.D.
Admitted to practice in New Jersey or admitted to another state and able to apply for admission to the New Jersey bar at this time.
Salary Grade:
AD190 - Administrative
Exempt/Nonexempt: Exempt
Physical Demands: General Office Environment
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please include a list of three references with your application.
Seton Hall University is committed to programs of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and the principles of affirmative action.
