Legal Fellow, Innocence Project Delaware

Widener University is currently seeking a Legal Fellow for a two-year fellowship position with Innocence Project Delaware. Innocence Project Delaware, housed at Widener University Delaware Law School, is a nonprofit legal organization committed to exonerating individuals wrongfully convicted of crimes in Delaware and advocating for reforms to prevent future injustices. Through strategic litigation, advocacy, and public education, we seek to advance a fair and effective criminal legal system.

Reporting to the Innocence Project Delaware Staff Attorney, the Legal Fellow, Innocence Project Delaware, will play a vital role in advancing justice through litigation and investigation in cases where post-conviction DNA testing may establish innocence. Working closely with attorneys and forensic experts, the Legal Fellow will contribute to case screening, conduct in-depth legal research and writing, and assist in the review and interpretation of forensic evidence. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for a recent law school graduate passionate about forensic science, wrongful convictions, and systemic legal reform to gain hands-on experience in high-impact advocacy.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Essential Duties:

Case Screening

• Review and evaluate cases for potential DNA testing opportunities.

Factual Investigation

• Analyze case records and forensic evidence to determine testing viability.

Strategy Development

• Collaborate with forensic experts, investigators, and co-counsel to develop DNA testing strategies.

Case Management

• Maintain accurate case files, track progress, and update internal databases.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Assist in refining screening procedures for DNA-related cases.
• Support initiatives that promote access to DNA testing and preservation of forensic evidence.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission, values and goals of the Delaware Law School.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. Admission to the bar or pending bar admission will be taken into consideration but not required.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Effective communicator across multidisciplinary teams, including clients, attorneys, and experts.
• Demonstrated commitment to criminal justice reform, indigent defense, or civil rights.
• Sensitivity to the lived experiences of incarcerated individuals, especially those from marginalized communities.

Preferred:

• Interest or background in forensic science and post-conviction litigation.
• Comfort working with scientific and forensic evidence or a willingness to learn.
• Familiarity with legal research tools and case management systems.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• Occasional travel within Delaware for client visits or evidence review, including outside standard business hours.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, operate a computer and phone, and lift up to 20 pounds (e.g., case files or legal exhibits).
• Willingness to travel to correctional facilities, which may involve long drive times or limited amenities.
• Reasonable accommodations provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener's Flexible Work policy.

U.S. work authorization is required.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

EOE M/F/V/D