ABA Death Penalty Due Process Review Project
Mental Illness Initiative Fellowship
The American Bar Association’s Death Penalty Due Process Review Project (the “Project”) is seeking a Research and Policy Fellow to play a key role in a new Initiative focused on creating a legal and political strategy for reforming state death penalty laws addressing individuals with serious mental disorders or disabilities. Applicants should have a law degree or other professional experience in public policy advocacy. Experience working on mental health issues – either clinically or as an advocate – is strongly preferred. This is a one-year, grant-funded public interest Fellowship.
The Project’s mission is to conduct research and educate the public and decision-makers on the operation of capital jurisdictions’ death penalty laws and processes in order to promote fairness and accuracy in death penalty systems, both in the United States and abroad. The Project raises awareness of the flaws in the death penalty and, through its advocacy and educational efforts, helps to engender a climate where law and policy reform are possible. The Project encourages legislatures, courts, administrative bodies, and state and local bar associations to adopt the ABA’s Protocols on the Fair Administration of the Death Penalty; provides technical assistance to state, federal, and international stakeholders on death penalty issues; and collaborates with other organizations to develop new initiatives to support reform of death penalty processes. In 2006 the ABA adopted a policy that individuals with severe mental disorders or disabilities – present either at the time of their crime or as they are facing execution – should not be subject to capital punishment. This Fellowship will be focused on advancing that goal through research, coalition-building, public education, and strategic planning.
Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Project Director, the Fellow will be primarily responsible for coordinating the first year of the Initiative’s planning phase, which will include:
Qualifications/Experience: Qualified candidates must have either a law degree, a graduate degree in public policy or a mental health-related discipline, or relevant work experience. Candidates must also have a demonstrated interest in criminal law and civil rights, particularly those related to the imposition of the death penalty in the United States. Working knowledge of capital punishment laws and practices and/or the role of mental health in the criminal justice system is highly desired. Experience with issue advocacy or policy reform campaigns, particularly state-level legislative reform, is also desired.
Candidates must be proficient in traditional legal research, public-policy research, and other investigative research methods, including interviewing and other data collection methods. Candidates must have excellent writing skills, with the ability to explain complex legal issues to a variety of audiences and constituencies, including the local, state, and national legal community, legislators, and media outlets. Candidate must be able to exercise professional judgment in a variety of settings and possess excellent communication and organizational skills. Due to the limited duration of this Initiative, it is imperative that the Fellow work efficiently, under a deadline, and with limited supervision. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Westlaw is required.
Some travel will be required. The position is open until filled, but the ideal candidate can start working in July 2015.
Compensation: The Fellowship is a full-time, one-year position with a stipend of $50,000 plus benefits, which include medical insurance, vacation, sick leave and other benefits.
Application: Candidates MUST apply online for the “Research and Policy Analyst” position on our website to ensure quick consideration and full processing of your application with the ABA.
