Compensation: $65,000- $87,000 commensurate with skills and experience.  

Start Date: ASAP

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana. Frequent travel is required.

Deadline: Application deadline is rolling, position open until filled.

About PJI

Promise of Justice Initiative (PJI) is a New Orleans-based organization that stands at the forefront of the fight for the liberation, freedom, and autonomy of Black people and all those targeted and touched by the criminal legal system and mass incarceration.  

PJI moves life-changing work: 

Because racism and mass incarceration are entrenched and pervasive foes, PJI’s approach is multifaceted, including collective action, legislative advocacy, civil and criminal litigation, and reframing narrative discourse. 

We challenge the notion that prisons keep us safe and that people with convictions should have no rights. We fight for freedom for people sentenced to die in prison. PJI blocks harmful legislation and pushes for dignity-advancing legislation. PJI partners on and co-strategizes social movement work with hundreds of currently incarcerated people. We advance the voices of survivors of violence and challenge the death penalty. Our work builds powerful authentic stories, pushes counter-narratives, and changes discourse.  

The world that PJI pushes for is one where the legal system recognizes freedom and dignity as universal rights and embodies an ethos of transformation, restoration, and safety. 

Summary of Position

PJI’s legal department has a track record of securing landmark wins, including Ramos v. Louisiana, in which the United States Supreme Court found that non-unanimous jury convictions (Jim Crow Juries) were unconstitutional. The PJI civil litigation team is currently litigating forced labor in prisons, the detention of incarcerated people past their release dates, and the deprivation of proper medical care for people in prison, among other challenges. 

Staff attorneys assist with case development, strategy, and procedure and will serve as counsel in PJI’s civil litigation cases. 

This position requires a commitment and belief in the ethos that our clients and their families are valuable, have answers, and should be consulted and heard because they are humans and because what we learn from our clients impacts the strength of evidence and influences litigation strategy. All attorneys at PJI are expected to center their clients in their legal practice and regularly visit in person, in prison, or elsewhere.

The Staff Attorney position will: 

•        Contribute to all stages of civil litigation;

•        Meet with clients in prisons and local jails; 

•        Maintain high standards for diligent client communication; 

•        Draft legal pleadings, motions, memorandums, and other documents needed;

•        Manage and index discovery and other evidence;

•        Represent clients in court;

•        Work in a team environment with shared goals and values; 

•        Work with partner organizations and pro bono counsel; 

•        Other duties and responsibilities as required to meet PJI’s needs. 

In addition to litigation, the Staff Attorney must assist in developing the litigation tools for PJI’s multi-pronged campaigns, which include policy and organizing. Staff Attorney will examine litigation for opportunities for cross-organizational support as well as local and larger movement campaign strategies.

Who We Are Looking For 

This work is hard on every level. PJI optimistically and strategically fights for a better future and requires staff who are committed to one another and to people who are incarcerated or otherwise harmed by the criminal legal system. 

PJI is committed to hiring smart, talented, skilled people who have directly experienced the issues that we fight against. People who are formerly incarcerated, survivors of violence, working class, LGBTQ+, and people of color, particularly Black, are all strongly encouraged to apply.

Key Qualifications 

•        Membership of the Louisiana Bar or willingness to sit for the next bar examination

•        At least two years’ experience practicing law or clerking;

•        Demonstrated commitment to anti-racism 

•        Ability to engage in complex legal analysis and fact investigation in impact litigation, policy and legislative advocacy settings, sometimes under tight deadlines

•        Superior analytic skills and excellent research skills

•        Excellent written and verbal communication skills

•        Experience with discovery 

•        Self-motivated, diligent, and able to meet deadlines

•        Willingness to work outside of traditional work hours when needed

Exceptional candidates will have:

•        Experience with complex civil litigation

•        Experience working with people impacted by the criminal court system.

•        Track record of strong client advocacy

•        Experience with class action litigation

•        Experience with claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act

How to Apply

Submit an application package containing the following:

1.     Cover letter. The cover letter should be no more than 3 pages, and should detail the skills or expertise that you are most excited to bring to this position and must include how your personal and professional experience intersects with people impacted by the carceral system and racism (both).

2.     Resume or CV

3.     Email address for 3 References: 2 people who can speak to your professional skills. 1 person who can speak to how you think about or engage in racial justice issues.   (this can be family, friend, colleague, mentor etc.)

Please send the application package to Amber Thorpe at AThorpe@defendla.org.

Deadline: Rolling, position open until filled.

PJI is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees. All employment decisions at PJI are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, past or present military service, history of incarceration, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. PJI will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. PJI encourages applicants of all ages, and does not discriminate based against formerly incarcerated individuals.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range is $65,000- $87,000, commensurate with skills and experience. 

**Salary levels are based on years of experience and are set by PJI’s Collective Bargaining Agreement

•        Flexible paid time off, most Federal holidays, Fridays in August, and winter holiday season off.

• 24 office closure days (almost 5 work weeks)  o 16 days of Paid Time Off initially; 25 days after 3 years

•        100% payment of health insurance (including partner and dependent insurance)

•        Health and Dependent Care FSA

•        5% 401k match after 6 months of employment

•        Short and long-term disability insurance

•        Life insurance 

•        Union representation: The National Organization of Legal Services Workers (NOLSW) represents eligible employees at PJI. This role is a bargaining unit position.