Application Guide
How to Apply for Research Attorney
at Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM)
🏢 About Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM)
FAMM is a unique nonprofit that has been at the forefront of sentencing reform for over 30 years, fighting to end mandatory minimums and expand compassionate release. Working here means contributing to a mission that directly impacts individuals and families affected by the criminal justice system, with a focus on fairness and rehabilitation.
About This Role
This contract role involves deep legal research into state laws that create barriers for formerly incarcerated individuals seeking nursing home admission after compassionate release. Your work will directly inform advocacy strategies to remove these obstacles, making a tangible difference in the lives of release candidates.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing state statutes and administrative codes for three assigned states, drafting memos summarizing legal barriers, and collaborating with FAMM's policy team to identify intervention strategies. You'll also attend virtual check-ins to report progress and discuss findings.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) Is Looking For
- An attorney with experience in legal research and analysis of statutes and regulations, preferably in healthcare or corrections law.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, capable of managing multiple state-specific projects simultaneously.
- Excellent writing skills to produce clear, actionable memos and reports for non-legal stakeholders.
- Passionate about criminal justice reform and familiar with compassionate release policies.
📝 Tips for Applying to Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM)
Tailor your resume to highlight any experience with healthcare regulations, nursing home laws, or corrections-related legal research.
In your cover letter, explicitly mention your familiarity with compassionate release and FAMM's work.
Provide a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to analyze complex statutes and regulations.
If you have experience working with multiple state laws, list the states and specify your research methodology.
Address the contract nature of the role upfront and express your availability for the expected duration.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific interest in FAMM's mission and how it aligns with your career goals.", 'Your experience with statutory and regulatory analysis, especially in healthcare or corrections.', 'Your ability to work independently and manage research across multiple states.', 'Any prior work on compassionate release or reentry barriers.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read FAMM's reports on compassionate release and their clearinghouse initiatives.
- → Familiarize yourself with the nursing home admission requirements and barriers in the three target states.
- → Review recent federal and state legislation related to compassionate release and reentry.
- → Understand the typical timeline and process for compassionate release candidates.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference FAMM or compassionate release specifically.
- Overlooking the need to demonstrate experience with regulatory analysis beyond case law.
- Failing to address the contract nature of the role or showing inflexibility with remote work.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM)!