The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is a not-for-profit law firm with a mission of Combatting Injustice • Strengthening Communities • Protecting Human Dignity. NJP secures justice for people in or near poverty through high quality legal advocacy that promotes the long-term well-being of low-income individuals, families and communities through legal representation, community partnerships, education and other advocacy.
NJP is seeking an attorney to provide legal assistance and representation to eligible military service members (current or former) and their families to secure or increase VA and other governmental assistance and provide civil legal assistance to criminal justice system involved Veterans. Located in Seattle, the full-time position is part of NJP’s Veterans Project and is funded by the King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy and private funding.
Experience providing legal assistance and representation to low-income Veterans and their families, demonstrated competence with cultural issues related to serving Veterans preferred. Prior experience working on Veterans’ benefits and related assistance programs (VA, SSI, SSDI, TANF, food assistance and ABD), and/or discharge upgrades and Character of Service determinations a plus.
Washington State Bar membership in good standing or ability to become a member through admission by motion, or by taking the next scheduled bar exam is required.
The attorney hired for this positon will undertake a range of duties including, but not limited to:
• Regularly conduct outreach, develop, and provide training to Veterans and their service providers on a broad range of legal issues, including identification of legal needs.
• Work collaboratively with Veterans service providers to identify and address the most important individual and systemic problems that impact their low- income patients.
• Conduct a King County jail based legal clinic for criminal justice system involved Veterans
• Engage with Veteran communities to devise and seek systemic solutions to other civil legal needs presented by the client population.
• Develop collaborative working relationships with NJP advocates to address issues affecting Veterans through advocacy task forces or work groups to address systemic issues.
• Produce legal brochures and materials to assist the client population.
• Utilize NJP’s case management and timekeeping systems and comply with all
applicable regulatory requirements and reporting needs.
• Support the work of NJP partners including volunteer lawyers, private attorneys, other legal aid providers and organizations addressing the needs of low-income persons.
• Participate in meetings with Veterans partners and participate in administrative duties related to Veterans program management, including reports, and sharing success stories.
• Some travel required for court, clinics, meetings and other activities.
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 to Victoria Hester at [email protected]. Cover letter and email subject line should clearly reference “Veterans Staff Attorney – King County” Cover letter should include description of any past 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: March 23, 2020
Experience providing legal assistance and representation to low-income Veterans and their families, demonstrated competence with cultural issues related to serving Veterans preferred. Prior experience working on Veterans’ benefits and related assistance programs (VA, SSI, SSDI, TANF, food assistance and ABD), and/or discharge upgrades and Character of Service determinations a plus. Washington State Bar membership in good standing or ability to become a member through admission by motion, or by taking the next scheduled bar exam is required.
To Apply: Submit a letter of interest, current resume and writing sample to Victoria Hester at [email protected]. Cover letter and email subject line should clearly reference “Veterans Staff Attorney – King County” Cover letter should include description of any past 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.