The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is a not-for-profit statewide law firm that pursues its mission through legal representation, community partnerships, and education to combat injustice and promote the long-term well-being of low-income individuals, families, and communities throughout Washington. NJP seeks applications from qualified attorneys committed to supporting our mission through the work of our Olympia office, serving the Thurston, Mason and Lewis Counties. Two full-time positions are available. One position may include splitting time between Olympia NJP office and a location in Lewis County.
JOB DUTIES: The Olympia staff attorney will undertake a range of duties including, but not limited to:
• Work collaboratively with office team to provide day-to-day legal assistance and direct representation to eligible clients referred to the King County office in all relevant forums, including state, federal, administrative agencies, 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 immigrants, youth, seniors, disabled persons, and other groups.
• Develop collaborative working relationships with a statewide network of advocates working on similar issues throughout the state and participate in advocacy task forces or work groups to address systemic issues that affect seniors, low-income persons, and communities in Washington.
• Engage with client community and participate in legal education events for client groups, social and human services providers, justice system stakeholders, and serve as a resource to other advocates on areas of current or acquired expertise.
• 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 matters within areas of expertise.
• Support the work of NJP partners including the local volunteer lawyer program, private attorneys, programs serving the needs of unrepresented litigants, other legal aid providers and interested parties and organizations addressing the legal needs of low-income persons.
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 Olympia, Washington and willingness to travel throughout Thurston, Mason and Lewis 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 and/or service experience allow them to contribute to and support the legal aid community’s commitment to race equity. Must be willing to be engaged with the community to be served.
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 “Olympia 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.