Rising for Justice (“RFJ”) is seeking a highly motivated attorney with a commitment to zealous advocacy on behalf of their clients for a full-time Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney position. The attorney will be responsible for direct legal representation of low-income residents of Washington, D.C. in expungement and civil protection order cases.
About Rising for Justice
Created in 1969, RFJ, formerly known as D.C. Law Students in Court, is the oldest clinical teaching program in the District of Columbia. RFJ currently operates as a public interest legal services provider and clinical education program.
What we do
Respondent Representation Program: Every year, thousands of individuals appear at Civil Protection Order (“CPO”) and Anti-Stalking Order (“ASO”) hearings in the Domestic Violence Division of the Superior Court and face losing custody of their children, deportation, incarceration, or other severe consequences that are generally associated with criminal proceedings. However, where criminal defendants have the right to counsel, most CPO respondents must represent themselves. Rising For Justice is the only organization to provide free legal counsel to respondents in CPO and ASO cases regardless of the nature of the allegations.
Expungement Program: Rising for Justice’s Expungement program is one of the few programs in Washington, D.C. where individuals with criminal records can seek free legal representation to seal their criminal records and put the past behind them. RFJ directly represents and partners with pro bono attorneys to provide free legal counsel to help residents of the District pursue the complicated legal process of clearing their criminal records.
Position Responsibilities
• Providing direct client representation to respondents in civil protection and anti-stalking cases, including conducting client interviews, providing advice, filing motions, and providing representation at trial and other court proceedings.
• Conducting client intake interviews and providing advice and brief legal services at Rising for Justice’s D.C. Superior Court office.
• Providing direct client representation to individuals seeking to have their arrest or criminal histories sealed or expunged in D.C. Superior Court, including conducting client interviews, determining client eligibility, preparing and filing relevant motions, and attending court hearings.
• Helping develop, facilitate, and present outreach and community education initiatives and training sessions with legal and other community groups relating to the referenced programs.
• Helping develop and facilitate expungement clinics, attending staff meetings, assisting with organizational fundraising activities as needed, and ensuring the accurate and complete input of data in the office’s case management system.
• Depending on experience, other responsibilities may include mentoring of pro bono attorneys, and training and supervision of legal assistants or interns.
Hours, Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position based on a 40-hour work week. Salary is commensurate with experience. We offer an excellent benefits package, including employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous sick, annual, and personal leave; life and disability insurance; and paid federal and local holidays.
Work Environment: The successful applicant will consistently operate a computer and other office productivity machinery (i.e. phone systems, copy machine and computer printer). The applicant must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time and will need to occasionally move about inside the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc. and travel to court. Applicant may occasionally be required to lift and carry objects weighing about 20-25 lbs. Applicant must possess the ability to communicate information and ideas so that others can understand and must be able to exchange accurate information via phone, email, videoconference, and instant messaging. The applicant must be available to work a weekday schedule, but occasionally may be requested to work evenings and weekends for special work-related events. RFJ retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.
• Licensed to practice in the District of Columbia, eligible to waive into the DC Bar, or otherwise eligible to practice under D.C. App. R. 49(c)(9)(B) regarding recent law school graduates.
• Experience representing individuals from diverse backgrounds and marginalized communities.
• Demonstrated commitment to client-centered representation for clients accused of criminal conduct.
• Ability to work well independently and collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of lawyers, paralegals, and social workers.
• Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate and connect with people from various backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
• Excellent oral and written advocacy skills.
• Excellent organization skills, including the ability to manage a diverse caseload.
• Spanish fluency is preferred but not required.
• Criminal litigation experience is highly desirable.
• Senior Staff Attorney applicants must have at least five years of relevant post-law school experience.
Each candidate should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample by email to [email protected]. Please indicate “Expungement and Civil Protective Order Programs [your full name]” in the subject line of the email.