The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) seeks applications from qualified attorneys committed to supporting our mission through the work of our Farm Worker Unit (FWU). The FWU is a statewide unit that provides legal assistance to low-income agricultural workers throughout Washington. Currently the FWU works out of NJP’s Yakima and Wenatchee offices. This position may be located in either of these locations. This is a full-time position.

NJP seeks an attorney who has a strong interest in working with farm worker communities and is willing to live and work in a rural area. The attorney must be bilingual in English and Spanish and culturally competent to address the legal needs of farm workers and their communities.

The successful applicant will have demonstrated interest in one or more areas of high priority legal need for farm workers, such as employment and civil rights, a demonstrated ability to establish trust and connections with low-income client communities, and have a strong interest in conducting outreach and undertaking a broad range of advocacy strategies.

JOB DUTIES:

· Engage in strategic advocacy in multiple forums, including state and federal courts, administrative agencies, and appellate courts to address high priority client needs of the farmworker community

· Work collaboratively with their office teams to offer high quality legal assistance and representation to clients in priority cases for the farmworker community, including sexual harassment, wage and hour, and retaliation cases and H-2A and civil rights advocacy

· Work as part of a team of five attorneys and two community educator/outreach workers

· Utilize NJP’s case management and timekeeping systems and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements and reporting needs

· Build relationships with community partners

· Engage with the farmworker community to build trust, educate and empower community members to exercise their legal rights

· Support the work of NJP partners including the volunteer lawyers, private attorneys, other legal aid providers and interested parties and organizations addressing the legal needs of low-income persons

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

· Member of the Washington Bar, licensed in a state bar to which Washington could grant reciprocity or willing and able to take next bar is required

· Three years of legal experience in legal aid or comparable practice preferred.

· Applicants must possess excellent oral and written communication skills, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills

· Ability to engage and woke collaboratively with diverse partners and client communities

· Three years of legal experience in legal aid or comparable practice preferred.

· Willingness to travel as needed to serve farmworkers throughout the state of Washington

· Preference given to those with direct or indirect experience working with farm workers and immigrant persons

· Culturally competent to work effectively with farmworkers, immigrants, and limited English proficient persons

· Spanish proficiency required

· A demonstrated ability to establish trust and connections with low-income client communities

NJP attorneys serve as part of a statewide team and work in close cooperation with program attorneys and other providers to bring high quality representation and a broad range of advocacy tools to address client needs in multiple forums.

COMPENSATION: Starting salary is based upon years of experience, with an annual salary range of $63,233 to $118,185. 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 Victoria Hester at attorneyresume@nwjustice.org. Cover letter and email subject line should clearly reference “FWU Staff 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 who’s 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 5, 2020

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, gender identity, gender expression, 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 Victoria Hester at 206-707-0998.