Northwest Justice Project Job Announcement

 

Staff Attorney – Spokane Office

 

The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is a not-for-profit statewide law firm that pursues its mission through legal representation, community partnerships, and education to combat injustice and promote the long-term well-being of low-income individuals, families, and communities throughout Washington.  NJP seeks applications from qualified attorneys committed to supporting our mission through the work of our Spokane office serving Spokane, Lincoln, Whitman, Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Oreille Counties, in Eastern Washington.  This is a full-time position.

 

Successful applicants for this position will have experience in all aspects of civil litigation with emphasis on housing, consumer, barriers to employment and other issues that impact low-income persons in Washington.  Experience in affirmative litigation in state or federal court and experience in addressing systemic issues is a plus. Applicants should be culturally competent and have demonstrated experience working with low-income client communities, communities of color, limited English and persons with disabilities. Washington State Bar Association membership in good standing, the ability to acquire membership through reciprocity, or ability to take the next Washington bar exam is required.  Significant civil legal aid and related advocacy experience is strongly preferred.

 

JOB DUTIES: The Spokane staff attorney will undertake a range of duties including, but not limited to:

 

• Work collaboratively with office team to provide day to day legal assistance and direct representation to eligible clients referred to the Spokane office in all relevant forums, including state, federal and tribal courts, administrative agencies and appellate courts.

·        Use strategic methods and a broad range of advocacy tools in multiple forums to address high priority client needs, with particular focus on legal needs of persons and groups that experience special barriers to accessing civil legal services, including immigrants, youth, seniors, disabled persons, and other groups.

• Develop collaborative working relationships with a statewide network of advocates working on similar issues throughout the state and participate in advocacy task forces or work groups to address systemic issues that impact seniors, low-income persons and communities in Washington.
• Engage with client community and participate in legal education events for client groups, social and human services providers, justice system stakeholders, and serve as a resource to other advocates on areas of current or acquired expertise.  Utilize NJP’s case management and timekeeping systems and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements and reporting needs.
• Help identify and develop on-line resources for use by attorneys and/or unrepresented litigants on matters within areas of expertise.
• Support the work of NJP partners including the local volunteer lawyer program, private attorneys, programs serving the needs of unrepresented litigants, other legal aid providers and interested parties and organizations addressing the legal needs of low-income persons.

 

To apply submit a letter of interest and current resume to: Karen Holland at karenh@nwjustice.org. Application deadline: June 17, 2016.

NJP is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and fosters an environment free of barriers and discriminatory practices. NJP actively promotes mutual respect, acceptance, teamwork and productivity. NJP is committed to maintaining an organization whose staff, Board and clients are diverse in background, experience, race, color, national origin, gender, age, religious reference, marital status, sexual orientation, sensory, mental or physical abilities, veteran status, and other qualities that strengthen the program while reinforcing its commitment to basic fairness. People of color, people who identify as transgender, lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals needing a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process or for more information about the project should contact Karen Holland at (206) 707-0802.