University of Colorado
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Job Summary
The Korey Wise Innocence Project (KWIP) is a project of the University of Colorado law School. Four years ago, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) provided KWIP with a list of criminal cases in which CBI analysts conducted hair microscopy (a forensic discipline discredited by DNA testing). One of our staff attorneys has been working through this list of cases. This program has been expanded to examine other forms of discredited forensic evidence, such as bullet comparison and tool mark comparison, which may be discredited through DNA testing.
In 2024, KWIP applied for and was awarded an additional Department of Justice (DOJ) grant to fund additional Staff Attorney positions to continue working on the hair microscopy project and other cases in which DNA testing could establish innocence. This part-time Staff Attorney will supervise the review of CBI hair microscopy cases and similar cases from other state agencies where the potential for DNA testing exists. The part-time Staff Attorney will have primary responsibility for advancing cases identified over the past year as potentially meritorious. Responsibilities may include investigation, coordination with District Attorney’s Offices to obtain new testing, filing and litigating DNA motions, investigating post-conviction claims, and drafting and litigating post-conviction motions.
This position is a part-time grant-funded position for a term of two and a half years.
Who We Are
At the Colorado Law School, 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
The central role of this position is to screen, develop, and litigate cases that involve unreliable forensic evidence and identify avenues of DNA testing that could demonstrate innocence.
More specifically, the staff attorney will:
- Capture 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 evidence played in each conviction.
- Lead long-term case strategy and problem-solving for all assigned cases under review.
- For cases approved for investigation and/or new forensic testing, determine appropriate negotiation and litigation strategies.
- Lead DNA and other forensic testing to ensure that DOJ guidelines are satisfied and that resources are used effectively to achieve the best possible results for individual clients.
- Draft motions, petitions, appellate briefs, and other filings.
- Conduct evidentiary hearings as necessary.
KWIP is a small, close-knit organization. The part-time Staff Attorney will also be expected to have a very limited role in other aspects of the organization’s work, including fundraising, communications, event planning, policy work, and office administration.
KWIP is a client-focused office where teamwork and collaboration to are expected and valued.
What You Should Know
This is a part-time position and is expected to work 20 hours per week in a hybrid work modality. The position is expected to work during regular business hours, though the role may need to meet outside of regular work hours at times. Flexibility for the schedule is available for this role, including navigating retirement requirements. This is a grant-funded position for a term of two and a half years.
What We Can Offer
The hire rate for this position will be $47.50 – $65.24 per hour.
Benefits
Be Statements
What We Require
- Juris Doctor degree.
- Licensed to practice law in Colorado or eligible to be admitted on motion to the Colorado bar.
- At least three years of litigation experience involving criminal defense or civil rights work.
- Valid driver’s license.
What You Will Need
- Excellent legal research and writing skills.
- Strong oral advocacy skills and experience litigating in court.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Ability to work cohesively in a team environment and receive constructive feedback.
- 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, and advanced legal research skills.
What We Would Like You to Have
- 10+ years’ experience litigating cases involving indigent defense or civil rights work.
- Experience managing complex, multi-year litigation.
- Experience with and knowledge of Colorado court systems.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- A current resume.
- A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
We may request references at a later time.
Please apply by September 25, 2026for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your cover//motivation letter where (jobsinlaw.net) you saw this job posting.