Supervising Attorney, Post-Conviction Justice Project

Founded in 1896, the Gould School of Law has a distinguished past built on the principles of equity and excellence, and the courage to break new ground. USC first introduced legal education in Southern California. Today, the Law School continues to make history through its philosophy of innovation and through its people. USC Gould cultivates analytical ability, ethical values, and a spirit of collegiality that prepare students for meaningful careers benefitting society. It was one of the first law schools to engage students in clinical programs and remains a leader in experiential education.

About the Post-Conviction Justice Project

The Post-Conviction Justice Project (PCJP) at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law is a clinical education program where professors and law students advocate for second chances for clients serving life-term sentences in California prisons through legal representation at parole hearings, on state and federal petitions for habeas corpus, post-conviction resentencing proceedings at the trial and appellate court levels, and on applications for executive clemency. The mission of PCJP is to develop law students’ potential to be skilled and ethical advocates through the experience of providing deserving clients with zealous legal representation. Learn more at www.uscjustice.org.

Staff Overview

The PCJP team includes two faculty Co-Directors, two Supervising Attorneys, a Chief Operations and Case Manager, a paralegal, 20 to 30 California State Bar certified law students, and undergraduate student clerical workers. The certified law students provide legal representation to clients, full-time during the summer and part-time for academic credit during the fall and spring semesters.

Position

PCJP is seeking a Supervising Attorney who will be responsible for supervising certified law students representing clients in administrative hearings, on state and federal habeas corpus petitions, on applications for executive clemency, and on post-conviction resentencing proceedings at the trial and appellate court levels.

The Supervising Attorney’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Supervision of certified law students during the academic school year.

• Individual case and project work.

• Assisting with planning the clinical seminar during the academic school year.

• Assisting with planning the clinical seminar and supervision of full-time certified law students participating in the summer program.

• Collaborating with the PCJP team to support students and clients.

• Performing other related duties as assigned or requested.

This is a benefits-eligible, exempt, full-time position for a 1-year fixed term, renewable contingent on grant funding. The position is expected to begin August 18, 2025.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate degree.

• Active license to practice law in California.

• 10 years of related experience, preferably a former public defender

• Engaged in full-time legal practice or full-time clinical teaching in California for at least the preceding five years.

• Experience in criminal law, preferably on parole or post-conviction matters.

The ideal candidate will also demonstrate:

• A personal commitment to education and social justice and a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of system-impacted people

• Excellent academic record

• Excellent analytical and writing skills, preferably demonstrated in appellate litigation

• Aptitude for teaching and student supervision

• Strong collaborative and mentoring skills

• Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills

• Ability and willingness to work on campus, directly with clinic staff and students

• Experience with, demonstrated commitment to, and cultural competency for working within a diverse client and student community

• Sense of humor, positive attitude, and self-awareness

• Prior teaching experience and facility in Spanish are desirable.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

How to Apply

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis but should be submitted electronically no later than 5:00 PM PDT on July 15, 2025. Applications should consist of a letter describing relevant experience; a CV; and three references.

Location

USC University Park Campus, Gould School of Law, 699 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles CA, 90089

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The annual base salary range for this position is $136,032 - $165,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Learn more about our benefits and perks here: https://employees.usc.edu/benefits-perks/

The Gould School of Law (Gould) considers candidates that demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values (link). Gould holds a unique position in society, and within the university, as every aspect of these principles are influenced by and can be protected through legal rules and institutions.  At Gould, we are proudly committed to maintaining a community in which each person respects the rights of others to live, work, and learn in peace and dignity, to be proud of who and what they are, and to have equal opportunity to realize their full potential as individuals and members of society.

Minimum Education: Doctorate, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: Over 10 years, Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience Minimum Field of Expertise: Education and experience directly related to field of research. Expert knowledge of field, statistical research, and fundraising.