Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is a not-for-profit law firm whose mission is to secure justice through high quality legal advocacy that promotes the long-term well-being of low-income individuals, families and communities through legal representation, community partnerships, education and other advocacy. 

NJP provides a full-range of legal representation through various aspects of its statewide legal aid delivery system. NJP’s Intake and Advice “hotline”, CLEAR, provides telephonic limited legal assistance only and is the central point of intake for providers of civil legal aid throughout Washington state. Washington’s Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) include a specific conflict rule that takes into account the need for wider access to the civil legal aid delivery system than is otherwise available in the private legal market.  

The Conflicts Attorney assures NJP’s compliance with the RPCs regarding conflicts of interest, including the determination of conflicts and administering the process that will ensure clients’ interests are protected when NJP accepts a case and provides the full scope of legal services needed by our diverse client communities. 

This is a full-time position.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

NJP receives over 20,000 applications for legal services annually.  It is the role of the Conflicts Attorney to:

Determine whether a conflict exists for provision of client services when confronted with a potential conflict by an intake screener, advocate or other staff member.Review case record and gather more information if needed to undertake an accurate analysis of the potential conflict. Review all related cases as needed to determine whether NJP has a conflict of interest for varied purposes of intake; providing limited legal assistance; or providing extended representation services.Determine whether NJP may provide assistance, under what circumstances, and to what extent.Draft and send conflict notification letter and, if necessary, consult with field attorneys to obtain conflict waivers as appropriate. Restrict access to case information in NJP’s case management system (LegalServer) and set up other mechanisms to assure protection of and lack of access to client information among and between different offices, units or staff within NJP, as appropriate.Serve as a resource to NJP and to the statewide civil legal aid delivery system as a whole on the application of the conflicts rules to legal aid attorneys and programs in Washington.Provide periodic training to NJP staff on professional ethics specific to conflicts

NJP has an organizational commitment to fight racism and to incorporate equity and inclusion in both the work we do and work environment we create.   All staff are expected to uphold this commitment and approach their role with a desire to learn and grow in this area.

QUALIFICATIONS

Member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association or other state bar association A minimum of three years’ experience practicing law.Understanding of the Rules of Professional Conduct as they apply to conflicts of interest involving current, former, and potential clients and preferably within a specialized program of non-profit and/or court annexed limited legal service program.Organized, analytical, detail-orientedDemonstrated independent thinking and decision-making skillsAbility to make and communicate difficult decisionsAbility to manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines and requirementsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsComputer proficiency in MS Office Suite and the ability and interest in learning new software applications necessary for the efficient administration of the project.

COMPENSATION

Starting salary is based upon years of experience, with an annual salary range starting at $61,933 to $115,754. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes 100% paid employee health premiums and significant premium shares for family health premiums, as well as generous time off.

Hours of work: NJP’s typical client office hours are 9:00 – 5:00, Monday through Friday. Attorney positions are exempt and those in the position are expected to work the hours needed to meet the professional responsibilities.

To Apply:  Submit a letter of interest, current resume and writing sample to Karen Holland at attorneyresume@nwjustice.org. Cover letter and email subject line should clearly reference “Conflicts Attorney.”  Cover letter should include description of any past experience, personal or professional, with low income or other marginalized communities.  The Northwest Justice Project is especially interested in qualified candidates whose professional, personal and/or service experience allow them to contribute to and support the legal aid community’s commitment to race equity.  

Application deadline: June 17, 2019.

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.