Pro Se Prisoner Attorney, Federal Pro Se Legal Assistance Program

Overview

Quinnipiac University’s School of Law invites applications for the Pro Se Prisoner Attorney for the Federal Pro Se Legal Assistance Program. The ideal candidate will advance Quinnipiac University School of Law's commitment to access to justice by providing legal assistance and guidance to incarcerated self-represented litigants with civil cases pending before the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. The attorney will assist litigants in understanding court procedures, evaluating legal issues, responding to court orders, and navigating the federal litigation process, while helping to develop resources and systems that improve access to legal information and support.

About the School

The Quinnipiac University School of Law is a student-centered law school with an outstanding and accessible teaching faculty, a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, an impressive range of externship and clinical opportunities, and a focus on collaboration and mentoring. The law school resides in a state-of-the-art facility on the university’s North Haven Campus, with a dynamic community of advanced programs including Quinnipiac’s School of Medicine.

Quinnipiac Law enrolls almost 400 students pursuing a juris doctor degree or one of six joint degrees (combined degrees with other disciplines), including the JD/MBA. The law school offers concentrations in civil advocacy and dispute resolution; criminal law and advocacy; cybersecurity and information privacy; family law; health law; intellectual property; international law and policy; tax law; and workplace law.

The School of Law is deeply committed to student success, bar passage, and career outcomes, and has made targeted investments in academic excellence, experiential learning, and curricular innovation, including expanded integration of skills-based and doctrinal instruction.

Quinnipiac is fully approved by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. For more information, please visit School of Law

Responsibilities

• Providing legal information, guidance, and assistance to incarcerated self-represented litigants with civil cases pending before the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut
• Explaining legal concepts and procedural requirements to litigants, including jurisdiction, venue, exhaustion of administrative remedies, and applicable court rules
• Assisting litigants with the preparation and amendment of pleadings, particularly following Initial Review Orders
• Responding to litigant inquiries regarding substantive and procedural aspects of federal civil litigation, with a primary focus on matters arising during the initial stages of a case
• Reviewing and explaining court orders, motions, pleadings, discovery obligations, and applicable federal and local rules
• Developing forms, instructional materials, and other resources to assist incarcerated self-represented litigants in navigating the litigation process
• Conducting in-person, telephonic, and virtual meetings with litigants and other stakeholders, as appropriate
• Maintaining case records and preparing written reports, summaries, and other documentation as required
• Supervising law student interns and externs
• Coordinating and collaborating with court personnel, law school personnel, legal services organizations, and community partners
• Identifying and facilitating referrals to appropriate courts, agencies, legal services providers, and community resources
• Assisting with program assessment, data collection, and other activities related to the evaluation and ongoing development of the Federal Pro Se Legal Assistance Program
• Other duties as assigned

Education Requirements

• Admitted to the Connecticut Bar, or eligible for admission; admission to or eligibility for admission to the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut preferred.
• Prior federal clerkship experience preferred

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of federal civil procedure and federal court practice, particularly in matters involving self-represented litigants
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively with diverse audiences, including students, alumni, employers, faculty, staff, and members of the legal community. Skilled in delivering presentations and facilitating group discussions
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to prepare clear, concise, professional correspondence, reports, presentations, and other written materials for a variety of audiences
• Ability to analyze information, identify issues and opportunities, evaluate alternatives, and exercise sound judgment in developing practical and effective solutions
• Demonstrated commitment to providing responsive, respectful, and solutions-oriented service to students, alumni, employers, faculty, staff, and other law school constituents while adhering to University policies and procedures
• Ability to think creatively, generate new ideas, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop innovative approaches to programs, services, and workplace challenges
• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities, manage competing deadlines, coordinate projects, and maintain effective systems for tracking tasks and follow-up
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, roles, and professional settings. Ability to work collaboratively and independently
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to identify errors, maintain organized records, and ensure that projects, communications, and tasks are completed thoroughly and accurately
• Demonstrated ability to create a welcoming and respectful environment in which individuals from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, identities, and experiences feel valued and a sense of belonging. Ability to build positive relationships and work effectively with a wide range of individuals

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications must be submitted electronically and include a CV/resume, a cover letter detailing how your experience aligns with the position requirements, and contact information for three references.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $90,000–$110,000. At the time of offer, the final salary will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, including relevant education, experience, skills, and competencies, as well as internal equity and market considerations. Quinnipiac University offers eligible full-time faculty and staff a comprehensive benefits package that may include health insurance, life insurance, paid time off, education benefits, and retirement benefits.