QLaw Foundation of Washington

Staff Attorney – Pandemic Civil Legal Aid to LGBTQ2S+ Communities

QLaw Foundation of Washington is seeking a Staff Attorney to deliver community-centered legal services and systemic advocacy to LGBTQ2S+ Washingtonians who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This opportunity can be fully performed remotely, with the exception of limited court appearances, and we welcome applicants residing anywhere in Washington.

About QLaw Foundation of Washington:

QLaw Foundation of Washington promotes the dignity and respect of LGBTQ2S+ Washingtonians within the legal system through advocacy, education, and legal assistance. QLaw Foundation offers several free legal clinics every month centered around the core value that LGBTQ2S+ communities are entitled to access knowledgeable, culturally competent legal providers in a welcoming and affirming setting. Additionally, QLaw Foundation works to empower LGBTQ2S+ communities through providing skills-based community legal education and providing spaces for communities and legal services providers to build relationships, share knowledge, and organize together. For more information, please review our website at www.qlawfoundation.org.

About the Staff Attorney Position:

The QLaw Foundation Staff Attorney will deliver legal services to pandemic-impacted LGBTQ2S+ individuals, families, and communities in Washington. The role will encompass the following core responsibilities:

• Provide core support to the LGBTQ2S+ Legal Clinic and Transgender Legal Clinic: o Supervision of intake and client screening.

o Conducting case assessment interviews and client consultations.

o Management of client follow-ups, referrals, and transition to representation.

o Participate in regular case reviews and ensure cases are handled in a timely manner.

• Represent pandemic-impacted LGBTQ2S+ individuals in negotiation and litigation.

• Develop and implement a statewide pro bono attorney referral network centered in LGBTQ2S+ and racial diversity.

• Support Executive Director regarding major litigation and systemic advocacy.

• Respond to inquiries and requests for assistance about LGBTQ2S+ legal needs from community partners and social services organizations.

Develop and present trainings for client groups, community organizations, and legal groups.

• Participate in systemic advocacy activities, such as legislative hearings, work groups, coalitions, and stakeholder meetings.

Compensation and Schedule: This is a full-time (40 hours/week) exempt benefited position with generous time off. Compensation starts at $75,000 per year depending on experience. Work hours are typically 10am-6pm, though some evening and weekend hours will be required. Benefits include employer-provided health care, payment of Bar licensing and CLE fees, and a remote work stipend.

Required Qualifications:

• Active Washington State Bar Association member.

• At least two years of experience as an attorney, or comparable non-attorney experience serving low-income clients in a legal aid setting.

• Working knowledge of local and national civil rights caselaw. Knowledge of criminal procedure, constitutional law, health care/insurance law, and/or poverty law is strongly desired.

• Ability to develop and implement case management, litigation, and advocacy strategies.

Other Qualifications:

• Bilingual or multilingual applicants strongly preferred.

• Lived LGBTQ2S+ identity and/or very close relationship with LGBTQ2S+ communities strongly preferred.

• Experience with community organizing and movement-building in BIPOC, rural, and/or undocumented LGBTQ2S+ spaces.

• Demonstrated commitment to delivery of antiracist, culturally competent, client-centered legal services.

• Ability to take leadership and direction from non-lawyer staff and community organizers.

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating within QLaw Foundation’s organizational strategies and values.

• Trained or willing to dedicate significant self-training in using Zoom, Teams, SharePoint, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva, and Mailchimp.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions: During COVID-19 restrictions, this position works 100% of the time on the computer, with approximately 50% of the time on the phone or in virtual meetings. We welcome information about any needed workplace accommodations or other necessary supports.

Our organization is friendly, inclusive, and centers clients and community relationships. QLaw Foundation welcomes applicants who are queer and trans, Black, Indigenous, or people of color (QTPOC/BIPOC), immigrants, undocumented, parents, disabled, or otherwise marginalized, and welcomes applicants with organizing experience, non-legal work experience, and/or personal experience with legal systems. QLaw Foundation does not weigh GPA or class ranking in its application process.

To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter detailing the experience, skills, or other qualifications that lead you to work in community-centered legal services. Please include any experience you may already have with client contact, community outreach, litigation, or case management. Writing samples or other representative examples of your work are welcome but not required.

Application Deadline: This position is open until filled, with interviews beginning in late March or early April. Please address your application materials to Denise Diskin, Executive Director and email them to jobs@qlawfoundation.org. We look forward to working with you!