The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is a not-for-profit statewide law firm. Our mission is to combat injustice, strengthen communities and protect human dignity. We do this through representing clients, partnering with bar and community organizations, and education. NJP seeks applications from qualified attorneys committed to supporting our mission through the work of our Bremerton office, serving primarily Kitsap County. This is a full-time position.
JOB DUTIES: The Bremerton staff attorney will undertake a range of duties including, but not limited to:
• Work collaboratively with office and regional team to provide legal assistance and representation to eligible clients in all relevant forums, including administrative agencies and state, federal and tribal trial 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 veterans, immigrants, youth, seniors, people with disabilities (including the institutionalized mentally ill), and other vulnerable groups.
• Develop collaborative working relationships with a statewide network of advocates working on similar issues and participate in advocacy task forces or work groups to address systemic issues.
• Engage with client community; participate in legal education events for client groups, social and human services providers, and justice system stakeholders; and serve as a resource in areas of current or acquired expertise.
• Effectively utilize NJP’s case management, timekeeping and other office systems and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements and work 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 unrepresented litigants, other legal aid providers and interested parties and organizations.
Prior experience in all aspects of civil litigation with emphasis on housing, public benefits, consumer, family law, and other issues that impact low-income persons in Washington is 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. Desire to work in Bremerton, Washington and willingness to travel throughout Kitsap and Pierce counties are necessary.
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 or service experience allow them to contribute to and support the legal aid community’s commitment to race equity. NJP attorneys must be willing to engage with the community we serve.
Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, current resume and writing sample to: Karen Holland at [email protected]. Letters of interest and subject line should clearly reference “Bremerton Attorney” position. Cover letter should include description of any past experience and competence, personal or professional, working with low income or other marginalized communities. Include proficiency in languages other than English on the resume. More information about NJP: www.nwjustice.org.