Staff Attorney-Rock Springs, WY

LEGAL AID OF WYOMING INC.
Staff Attorney Position Job Description

Position Title: Staff Attorney
Reports To: Deputy Director
FLSA Status: Full Time, Exempt

Summary

Under the direction of the Deputy Director, the Staff Attorney is responsible for the majority of the legal work in an office while ensuring compliance with board directives and applicable grantor, federal and state requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Staff Attorney is responsible for the legal operations of Legal Aid of Wyoming (LAWyoming), a 501(c)(3) non-profit legal corporation which provides legal services to the indigent. The Staff Attorney also shall:

 Support and provide team leadership for support staff through work assignment and project goals. Responsible for the development of support staff to include, but not limited to, training support staff, applying board-approved employee policies, and practices in accordance with federal, state and LSC requirements.

 Regularly supervises support staff in the drafting, filing, service, and other administrative duties as well as pleadings and motion practices as required under federal, state, county and municipal laws and rules.

 Maintain technical competency and professional proficiency in LSC and other grantor reporting requirements, proper case management, closing cases, file maintenance, pleadings and motion practice, and legal education.

 Assist in developing short-range strategic and long range comprehensive plans necessary for the fulfillment of the Program’s duties and responsibilities that allows for personal and professional development of staff.

 Maintain sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with community groups and organizations, such as the Access to Justice Commission, the Wyoming State Bar, the Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Safehouse, UW Legal Services, the Department of Family Services, Wyoming Department of Health and Aging, and other organizations in matters affecting LAWyoming.
 Represents LAWyoming on selected task forces, committees, projects, etc. as needed.

 Provides direct legal advice and representation to LAWyoming clients and carries an open case load. Regularly appears in court on behalf of clients in accordance with LAWyoming’s case priorities, income guidelines, LSC and other grantor policies and procedures.

 Properly keep track of time by funding source in the case management system and update the case management system information as needed and as changes become known, for example updating a telephone number and address of a client.

 Takes part in local professional activities such as county bar membership, Inns of Court, NLADA and MIE membership.

 Any other duties that may be necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the program.

Core Competencies

To perform effectively in this position, the individual should demonstrate the following competencies. These core competencies represent effective administration of LAWyoming and its programs fulfilling LAWyoming’s mission.

 Management: Maintains proper supervision of support staff to ensure procedures and practices are in compliance with federal, state, county, and municipal laws and rules. Supports the management decisions of the Deputy Director.

 Job Knowledge: Understands the technical aspects of practicing law in the State of Wyoming. Is knowledgeable and/or solicits guidance from experts in the areas of federal, state, and local laws and rules. Understands the duties and responsibilities of the position and keeps job knowledge up-to-date. Clearly understands the mission of the organization and continuously works to promote LAWyoming and achieve its goals.

 Initiative in fulfilling the goals of the program: The Staff Attorney recognizes and brings to the attention of the Deputy Director issues and changes in the law or rules that affect the organization. Displays initiative in developing action plans and resolving problems as they occur.

 Communication: Communicates effectively with staff and others using a variety of formats. Examples include: written communications that clearly outline the situation and action items; verbal presentations and briefings to courts, clerk’s offices and other organizations; presenting at local meetings and to outside groups regarding a variety of issues affecting LAWyoming.

 Dependability: Seeks increased responsibility while remaining conscientious, thorough, accurate, and reliable with respect to achieving the program’s goals, and the needs of the contract employees and staff. This includes being available and responsive to issues and concerns as they arise.

Education and/or Experience

The Staff Attorney position is an entry level attorney position, no previous experience is required but it is recommended that staff attorneys have at least 1 year of litigation experience. The Staff Attorney must have a valid Wyoming Bar license and be eligible to practice law in the State of Wyoming.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this Job, the Staff Attorney is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, speak and hear. The position requires extensive computer use so the employee must have sufficient hand dexterity to use a computer keyboard and be capable of reading a computer screen. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel

The Staff Attorney must be able to travel to attend conferences, training and other events as required to acquire and maintain proficiency in fulfilling the responsibilities of the position. In addition the Staff Attorney may be asked to travel to the various offices of LAWyoming to attend training, meetings, cover for other staff attorneys as needed, and other necessities for the program.