HERE - Georgia Justice Project

Staff Attorney – Criminal Defense
Position Description
THE ORGANIZATION
The Georgia Justice Project (GJP) is a tax-exempt organization which has been serving the Atlanta
community since 1986. Our mission is to defend poor people accused of a crime and, win or lose, stand
with our clients as they rebuild their lives.
GJP provides legal and social services to indigent persons primarily from Fulton and DeKalb
counties. Our lawyers provide criminal defense representation and other legal services, including policy
advocacy, to remove obstacles to employment, housing and education arising from a criminal
record. Our social workers provide ongoing, multi-faceted support for our legal clients that can include
substance abuse counseling, jail and prison visitation, direct assistance, family support, employment
readiness and job placement assistance.
GJP has an annual budget of approximately $1.3 million. We are funded entirely through private
donations. GJP has 15 staff members including the following:
three lawyers, including our Executive Director;
three social workers, including our Chief Operating Officer;
two persons in Development, including our Director of Development; and
four other staff members who support our services.
GJP is recognized as a high-impact organization in the 2012 edition of the book, Forces for Good: The
Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Georgia Justice Project seeks a Staff Attorney who will focus on GJP’s holistic criminal defense
representation. The attorney provides direct legal representation to GJP clients in criminal court in
Fulton and DeKalb counties. Attorneys work collaboratively with a social worker also assigned to the
client. GJP also seeks to maintain relationships with clients in prison, former clients, clients in the jobs
program and families of clients when appropriate. Attorneys will participate in these relationships as
appropriate. (for more information, visit www.GJP.org)
The position has a proposed start of September 2013.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Genny@GJP.org.
Georgia Justice Project •438 Edgewood Avenue SE • Atlanta, Georgia 30312 • t 404.827.0026 f 404.827.0026 • www.GJP.org

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Client Services:
Provide direct legal representation for a caseload of GJP clients
Complete assessments on potential clients and prepare written recommendations as outlined in
the Intake process
Participate in case selection process of the organization
Provide information regarding case capacity as requested
Plan and execute legal research, legal investigation, legal strategy needed for representation
Work with social worker to develop a case plan for each legal client
Meet with legal clients regularly and maintain client files reflecting all activity related to legal
case
Present status reports on cases and clients
Meet State bar requirements regarding professional and ethical activities
Initiate at least one contact (written or visitation) annually with clients in prison
Participate in planning and executing special events for organization clients
Demonstrate GJP’s holistic approach in selection and work with all clients
Administrative tasks:
Maintain client files and appropriate notes on all legal activity and client interactions
Prepare reports for executive director, board and organization as requested
Assist in supervision of volunteers and interns working with the organization
Assist in client services program evaluation and development
Organization tasks:
Follow organizational policies as stated in Employee Handbook
Represent the organization to various communities and constituencies as requested
Work collaboratively with other program staff on behalf of clients
Work cooperatively with all staff to accomplish the mission of the organization
Assist other departments in organizational projects as needed
Participate in and attend all GJP functions
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Licensed Attorney with the State Bar of Georgia (required).
A minimum of five years of criminal defense experience (required).
Experience with the criminal courts of Fulton and DeKalb counties.
A number of (5-10) Jury trials.
Proven experience in working with investigators and paralegals.
Experience in working with student interns and volunteers.
Deep commitment to the mission of justice and rehabilitation for poor people in the criminal
justice system.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work as part of a team.
Ability to manage the multiple priorities and fast pace of an entrepreneurial workplace.
Proficiency in Microsoft, Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.
Georgia Justice Project •438 Edgewood Avenue SE • Atlanta, Georgia 30312 • t 404.827.0026 f 404.827.0026 • www.GJP.org