Position Profile and Description:
The D.C. Access to Justice Commission has an immediate opening for a part-time attorney. This is a unique professional opportunity for an attorney who is interested in advancing access to justice for low- and moderate-income District residents on two primary projects: reporting on the legal needs of District residents and exploring national best practices in court-related projects. A successful candidate will be a self-starter with strong organizational and inter-personal skills and, preferably, a working knowledge of the District legal services network and the community it serves. Under the direction of the Executive Director, the attorney will be responsible for: (1) facilitating the completion of the Commission’s latest legal needs report; (2) providing support to the Commission on court-related projects; and (3) other Commission-related projects, as time allows.
The Organization:
The District of Columbia Access to Justice Commission was created in 2005 by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and is charged with the responsibility of assuring high quality access for low- and moderate-income residents and others in the District of Columbia who encounter significant access barriers to the civil justice system, and with raising the profile in our community of the need for equal access to justice. The Court directed the Commission to work to:
• establish a coordinated planning process that includes all members of the community who are affected by the crisis in equal access to justice to develop strategies to improve access and reduce barriers;
• facilitate efforts to create improved coordination and support of civil legal services programs;
• work with the courts, administrative agencies and lawmaking bodies to propose and promote rules and systemic changes that will open greater access to the justice system;
• and propose and promote strategies to generate adequate levels of public, private, and volunteer resources and funding for the District’s civil justice network and the access to justice initiatives identified by the Commission.
The Commission has twenty-four members with three-year terms, including D.C. Court of Appeals and Superior Court judges, past Presidents of the D.C. Bar, representatives of legal services providers, academic leaders, and other community stakeholders. The Commission meets every six weeks and does substantial work through committees and working groups. The Commission is privately funded, predominantly by area law firms. For more information about the Commission, visit the website at: www.dcaccesstojustice.org.
Hours:
The Commission envisions a generally flexible schedule of about 20-25 hours per week, with some availability during regular business hours. The position is currently structured as a temporary position for 1 year, with the possibility of extension if funding becomes available. Work from home or telecommuting will be considered. Only candidates who are seriously seeking temporary, part-time employment should apply.
Qualifications:
In addition to having a law degree and relevant legal experience, the ideal candidate will have the following credentials:
• detail-oriented and well-organized, with strong time and task management skills;
• excellent oral and written communication skills;
• ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team;
• demonstrated self-reliance and ability to work independently;
• experience as an anti-poverty or public interest legal advocate is preferred;
• background and comfort with assessing data a plus; and
• demonstrated commitment to the Commission’s mission.
Interested persons are encouraged to apply immediately and should e-mail a letter of interest, a list of references, a writing sample, and a current resume to D.C. Access to Justice Commission Executive Director Nancy Drane at [email protected]. Please write “Attorney Position” in the subject line of your e-mail. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. Position remains open until filled.