Social Justice Database Analyst

Be part of an organization dedicated to enhancing the practice of law and improving our community through programs that provide equal access to legal services. The Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF) has a strong commitment to employee work-life balance and provides a stimulating work environment. BASF currently has an exciting opportunity for a Database Analyst, Sociologist to be part of the team

About the Job:

The Indigent Defense Administration (IDA) is managed by the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Court Programs and is dedicated to ensuring that all indigent adults and minors facing prosecution in the Adult Criminal and Juvenile Delinquency Court, ineligible for representation by the Public Defender due to a conflict of interest, receive the highest quality legal representation possible. Unlike other programs of the BASF/JDC, these legal services are mandated by the United States and California Constitutions and the standard of practice is exceptionally high. The Court Programs is a division of the Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) a California State Bar certified program.

In 2022, the Bar Association’s IDA expanded its role of providing robust legal representation through trial, to also provide post-conviction representation for these former clients of our panel of attorneys. Our Post Conviction Unit has worked closely with the Office of the Public Defender’s Freedom Project and together the offices have achieved great success. The work continues.

BASF’s IDA has now received a grant to assist in creating data bases, statistics and other resources for attorneys involved in litigation under the Racial Justice Act, and to identify and assist people who are in prison and may have a post-conviction claim under the Racial Justice Act.

The Racial Justice Act (RJA) was ground breaking legislation passed in 2022. The RJA is designed to provide remedies to eliminate racially discriminatory charging and sentencing practices in the criminal justice system. The discovery provisions of the RJA allow for the defense to have access to all relevant evidence, including statistical evidence regarding potential discrimination in seeking or obtaining convictions or imposing sentences. The RJA authorizes that disparities can be established through showing increased frequency, that these disparities can be shown by a “significant difference”, though not necessarily a “statistical significance” and that it can be shown by comparing specific cases that are similarly situated and engaged in similar conduct.

The Bar Association of San Francisco is seeking to employ a person who has education and experience in the field of computational science and statistics as well as legal training. This person would be involved in working with partner organizations in the collection and organization of data, such as Human Rights Data Analytics Group, The USF Law Clinic and the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office. The assistant will work with a part-time attorney administrator in identifying areas where racial disparities in charging and/or convictions have historically been found, such as those sentenced to Life Without the Possibility of Parole, five year prior enhancements, gun enhancements and gang enhancements. The assistant will work with attorneys in developing RJA motions, such as discovery motions or motions to dismiss enhancements or charges. The assistant will also work with the attorney administrator to identify cases where a RJA claim can be made based on the statistical data and analysis that will occur over the course of this project.

Job Functions:

• Collaborating with sociologists, computer or data scientist experts in developing data bases;
• Collecting, organizing, cleaning, and preprocessing data to ensure its quality and reliability; this collection may include ordering records from the San Francisco Superior Court, District Attorney, California Department of Justice, law enforcement or other agencies;
• Assisting in working with sociologists or other experts in reviewing the effectiveness of data models through rigorous testing and analysis;
• Working with these experts in exploring ways to visualize the data using charts or graphs to identify patterns, trends, and relationships.
• Presenting the results and suggestions to attorneys with these visuals and writing concise reports;
• Participate in attorney trainings about data collection, statistical models and other subjects related to identifying and developing racial disparities;
• Ability to use machine learning algorithms and statistical models;
• Developing a resource library for attorneys or other involved participants in RJA litigation, including discovery motions, CPRA requests, literature reviews that are relevant to RJA litigation.
• Communicating with CDCR, the San Francisco Public Defender , the Superior Court and others to identify incarcerated individuals potentially eligible for RJA relief;
• Assist the Attorney Administrator and the Director of the Court Programs to identify appropriately skilled counsel available to undertake the required representation and coordinate with the Superior Court to assure timely appointment of counsel;
• Meet and advise assigned counsel of case status and needs;
• With the BASF’s Court Programs manager, create and maintain a data base to track identification of client, assignment of counsel, relief sought and result achieved;
• Create and assist with roundtable and list serve discussions for attorneys and others to support this work and create efficiencies in representation;

Equipment or Machines That Must Be Operated to Perform the Position Acceptably:

General office machines. Personal computer (PC), and telephone. Note: chrome books and tablets are not sufficient or compatible with the functions of this position.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed both via telecommuting and in person at the BASF office location. A quiet professional home workspace with reliable high speed internet and a PC is required for telecommuting. Work is also performed in an open area workstation at BASF’s office located in downtown San Francisco, during normal business hours, which are Monday through Friday, from 9:00am to 5:00pm. This position also requires excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, excellent interpersonal and telephone skills.

Education & Experience:

• A bachelor's or master's degree in data science, computer science, statistics, mathematics, Sociology/Criminology or a related field (recent graduate welcome).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, SQL, or Java.
• Experience with data manipulation and analysis tools, such as SQL, Excel, and pandas.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Experience with criminal justice issues preferred.

Prerequisite Skills & Requirements:

• Ability to communicate in person, on the telephone, and in writing in a clear and courteous manner
• Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills (professional and diplomatic interactions)
• Ability to multi-task in a high volume, fast-paced environment and independently prioritize work duties with high attention to detail, accuracy and speed
• Ability to create, or modify data bases for different types of categories, such as gun enhancements or LWOP
• Ability to produce database reports, perform statistical analysis, and maintain records
• Ability to work closely and collegially with staff, attorney panel members, court, public defender, district attorney and prison representatives and other partners
• Ability to be self-directed and work as part of a team
• Ability to manage one’s own projects with excellent attention to detail
• Proficiency in general use of database systems noted under EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE as well as MS Office (Word, Excel, Access), and Adobe Professional all of which are essential to this position as well.

Why Work For Us:

We offer a collaborative work environment, a progressive work culture, and a wonderfully diverse staff. Additionally, we have a standard 35-hour workweek, flexible scheduling (manager’s discretion), and we are a mission and values based organization.

We also offer competitive pay and a generous benefits package that includes: a choice of medical insurance plans, dental insurance, vision insurance, pretax commuter, health, and dependent care accounts, employer paid short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, the opportunity to contribute to a retirement account, and more

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

BASF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We conduct all employment-related activities without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other classification protected by applicable Local, State or Federal employment discrimination laws. BASF welcomes diversity in the workplace.