Legal Fellow - Economic Mobility

at  Council of State Governments

WHO WE ARE:

The Council of State Governments Justice Center works across the country to develop research-driven strategies to increase public safety and strengthen communities. To further this mission, we work with partners inside and outside of government to reduce crime and incarceration among youth and adults in contact with the justice system. We bring people from diverse systems and perspectives together to improve policy and practice. And we transform data and research findings into meaningful insights for decision-makers.

We’re focused on three strategic goals:

• Break the cycle of incarceration.
• Advance health, opportunity, and equity.
• Use data to improve safety and justice.

When you join the CSG Justice Center, you join an organization that is uniquely positioned to cultivate innovation and drive data-driven reform nationally. We have approximately 120 employees-expected to grow to about 150 by the end of this year-based in more than 20 states who have decades of experience working in and with criminal, juvenile, and Tribal justice agencies. We have provided housing, mental health, and addiction services; served as educators and in workforce development agencies; and supported victims and survivors of crime. We have served governors, state legislators, and members of Congress on both sides of the political spectrum. What binds us together is a shared commitment to our mission; to one another; to a common set of values; and to the national, bipartisan advisory board that guides our work.
Learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center.

Specific responsibilities of the Legal Fellow include the following:

• Gather, review, and analyze state policies relating to collateral consequences and other restrictions that affect people with criminal records.
• Gather, review, and analyze state policies relating to criminal record clearance and other policies that mitigate the impact of a criminal record.
• Strategize with senior staff on ways to promote policies that increase access to opportunities for people with criminal records.
• Provide administrative support to senior staff for state-based technical assistance.
• Ensure that senior staff and other colleagues are aware of relevant project developments.
• Participate actively in staff discussions and strategic planning meetings.
• Develop/expand a knowledge base on collateral consequences and the impact of a criminal record on employment, housing, and other areas of civilian life.