The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center is a national nonprofit organization that provides practical, nonpartisan, research-based strategies and tools to increase public safety and strengthen communities. The CSG Justice Center works closely with government executives, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, victim advocates, and others to develop consensus on criminal justice issues and to translate this consensus into comprehensive reports, policy briefs, state and federal legislation, model policies, and innovative programs. The CSG Justice Center produces original research, develops written and web-based materials, and provides on-the-ground technical assistance to policymakers and practitioners from multiple systems (corrections, behavioral health, housing, etc.), in state and local jurisdictions. 

Posting: Legal Fellow, Access to Post-Secondary Education Project

Job Title: Legal Fellow

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Corrections & Reentry Division, Reentry & Employment Program, Access to Post-Secondary Education Project

Type of Position: Two positions, both Full-time, Regular (through October, 2019)

Location: Washington, DC

Reports To: Director, Corrections and Reentry Division

JOB SUMMARY

The CSG Justice Center will hire two legal fellows to conduct state-level policy research on access to post-secondary education (including occupational training leading to a credential) for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people in all 50 states.  The research methods will include analyses of databases, such as the National Inventory of Collateral Consequences of Conviction (NICCC), LexisNexis and State Net; digital scans of policies, publications, and funding streams; and surveys and interviews.  The legal fellows will work as part of a team to inventory policies, synthesize  and track information, and identify trends and new areas of research.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A ONE-YEAR FELLOWSHIP POSITION

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific responsibilities of the legal fellow include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Gather, analyze, and code:
  • current and pending legislation on access to post-secondary education for people who are incarcerated and formerly incarcerated;
  • information on state correctional policies regarding access to post-secondary education programs and credentials through online research, surveys, emails, and phone calls; 
  • information on probation, parole, and state entitlement policies regarding access to post-secondary education programs and credentials for people with criminal records;
  • information on state higher education system restrictions for people with criminal records in admissions, housing, and financial aid;  
  • information on the use of technology in post-secondary educational programs in state prisons;
• Participate actively in team and division meetings.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• An analytical mind and excellent research and writing skills;
• Ability to synthesize and translate large amounts of information into user-friendly language;
• Ability to think critically about policies and practices and to identify policies that may not be explicit or well-defined;
• Attention to detail and accuracy as well as an entrepreneurial spirit;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Efficient, organized work style and an ability to prioritize quickly and confidently and manage a demanding workload.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

At least one year of work experience, ideally, in the field of criminal justice and/or higher education. Experience with legal research, including Lexis Nexis, required.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

A JD is required, although bar admission is not necessary.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS ESSENTIAL TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THE JOB

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently communicates with internal and external coworkers and customers.
• Frequently operates a computer to conduct research and summarize findings.
• Frequently remains in a stationary position to perform desk duties.
• Frequently works in a well-lit, tempered room.
• Occasionally moves throughout the office to communicate to coworkers.
• Seldom transports objects, such as files or paper boxes, with weight up to 25 pounds.