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 Vancouver office, serving the Clark, Klickitat, and Skamania Counties.  

The attorney hired for this full time position will focus on family law.  Five years’ prior experience in all aspects of civil litigation with emphasis on family law and other issues that impact low-income persons in Washington is strongly preferred.  Experience in affirmative litigation in state or federal court and experience in addressing systemic issues is a plus. Significant civil legal aid and related advocacy experience is also preferred, but not required. Applicants should be culturally competent and have demonstrated experience working with low-income client communities, communities of color, limited English speakers 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.  Willingness to work in Vancouver and travel throughout Clark, Klickitat, and Skamania Counties is necessary.  Must be willing to be engaged with the community to be served. 

Demonstrated experience and/or connection to NJP’s client communities is preferred. 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. 

Job Duties:

The Vancouver 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 Vancouver office in all relevant forums, including state, federal, 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 affect 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.

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.

Compensation: Starting salary is based upon years of experience; full salary scale is $61,933 to $115,754 annually. 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 “Staff Attorney – Family Law – Vancouver.”   Cover letter should include description of any past experience, personal or professional, with low income or other marginalized communities. 

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.