The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is a not-for-profit statewide law firm that pursues its mission to combat injustice, strengthen communities and protect human dignity through legal representation, community partnerships, and education. NJP seeks applications from qualified attorneys committed to supporting our mission by providing civil legal services to crime victims pursuant to a federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant administered by the Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA).

Project Safety is a collaboration between the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

(KCPAO) and civil legal aid providers in King County, including NJP, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, Sexual Violence Law Center, and the Eastside Legal Assistance Program. Project Safety has created a direct relationship between KCPAO and the legal aid providers to accept referrals from the crime victim advocacy units within the KCPAO through on-site triage by a non-attorney navigator. Project Safety attorneys at NJP and other partner organizations provide crime victims: legal advice, limited assistance, and/or full representation, as appropriate. In addition, Project Safety attorneys provide education and technical support to the navigators and victim advocates to ensure that the legal needs of crime victims are holistically addressed, in a trauma-informed manner, so as to further their protection and safety during the course of prosecution or otherwise.

This position will be based in the NJP Seattle office and will coordinate with a navigator and advocates in the downtown courthouse, as well as other Project Safety partners. NJP also has two Project Safety attorneys based in Kent who coordinate with a navigator and advocates in South King County’s Regional Justice Center.

The successful applicant for this position will collaborate within NJP and as part of a broader team of VOCA-funded attorneys at multiple organizations in the Washington Alliance for Equal Justice. Applicants should have a desire to work with crime victims and with the agencies that serve them; and, be interested and willing to pursue civil litigation in areas related to protection orders, family law, victim rights, housing, consumer protection, public benefits and health care access, and other collateral impacts of victimization. Such impacts may include employment problems, credit issues, education and discrimination.

Duties: The Project Safety attorney will undertake a range of duties including, but not limited to:

• Work collaboratively with others to identify the most important problems that impact victims, their families and communities affected by crime.

• Use strategic methods and a broad range of advocacy tools to provide day-to-day legal assistance and direct representation to crime victims referred by the Project Safety Navigator in all relevant forums, including state, federal, administrative agencies, and appellate courts.

• Engage with clients and Project Safety partners to identify and seek individualized and systemic solutions to adverse consequences of victimization, with a particular focus on victim and family safety, protecting and preserving access to basic needs.

• Focus on addressing the needs of individuals and groups who experience special barriers to accessing civil legal services, including immigrants, limited-English speaking persons, seniors, veterans, children and other groups.

• Develop collaborative working relationships with a network of advocates addressing related issues throughout the state; participate in advocacy task forces or work groups to address systemic issues that arise in the context of crime victimization.

• 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 crime victim rights and consequential legal impacts arising from being a victim of crime.

• Support the work of NJP partners including volunteer lawyers, private attorneys, other legal aid providers and interested parties and organizations addressing the legal needs of crime victims.

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, with an annual salary range starting at $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 toVictoria Hester at attorneyresume@nwjustice.org. Cover letter and email subject line should clearly reference “Staff Attorney – Project Safety”. Cover letter should include description of any 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: May 15, 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.