Program Description
For many years, Columbia Legal Services has represented some of the most marginalized people in our community. We use every legal tool available on their behalf. Our role to serve people and use advocacy that might otherwise not be available makes our work an integral part of the Washington Alliance for Equal Justice. Our vision of justice is when people have the necessary tools and opportunity to achieve social and economic justice, a more equitable and inclusive society is possible. Through large-scale litigation, policy reform, and innovative partnerships, our lawyers and other staff work in furtherance of our mission. The ideal candidate for any position at Columbia Legal Services will be able to articulate their role in the achievement of that vision.
Position
Columbia Legal Services seeks a full-time Staff Attorney to join our Economic Justice Project. This position may be based in Seattle or Olympia. The Staff Attorney will:
• Work with our team of attorneys on complex multi-forum advocacy, including litigation, legislative advocacy, media and grassroots outreach campaigns, and academic research;
• Identify practices and laws that preclude low-income Washingtonians from building and keeping wealth, destabilize traditionally marginalized communities, and adversely affect the rights and diminish the benefits of people affected by the foreclosure crisis;
• Develop advocacy that promotes lasting economic security and opportunity through systemic change;
• Coordinate with other advocacy groups and the private bar to identify opportunities and execute strategies to advance the law in protecting marginalized communities;
• Be available to travel occasionally around the state, which may include travel to Olympia during the legislative session.
Qualifications
• Minimum of 5 years of litigation experience. Judicial clerkships, fellowships, or externships may be counted as up to one year of litigation experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial, social, and economic justice.
• Demonstrated initiative and creativity, including ability to master new legal areas, operate at a high advocacy level, and consider multi-forum advocacy approaches.
• Excellent research, writing, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage a variety of cases and projects simultaneously and willingness to work in a collaborative environment.
• Experience in impact litigation, particularly in public interest and civil rights law.
• Cultural competence and experience working with low-income client communities.
• Spanish language skills a plus.
• Washington State Bar member or willingness to seek admission as soon as possible upon hiring.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for the position.
Compensation
CLS offers a competitive compensation package with a salary scale commensurate with experience, and generous holiday, paid time off, and health care benefits.
Applications
Position is open until filled. Please note that due to the volume of applications received, CLS is unable to respond to every application. CLS will contact you if we decide to pursue your application. If you apply by e-mail, please make Economic Justice Staff Attorney your subject line. Please send your letter of interest, resume, names and contact information for three professional references, and writing sample to:
Trisa Kern, Director of Program Administration
Columbia Legal Services
101 Yesler Way Suite 300
Seattle, Washington, 98104
[email protected]
Program Policy
Columbia Legal Services is committed to a policy of pluralism and equal opportunity in an environment free of barriers and discriminatory practices for its client communities, Board and staff. Pluralism refers to the active promotion of mutual respect, acceptance, teamwork and productivity among people who are diverse in work background, experience, education, race, color, national origin, sex, age, religious preference, marital status, sexual orientation, sensory, mental and physical abilities, veteran status, or any other perceived differences. The resulting diversity is both a source of program strength and a matter of fundamental human fairness. If you need a reasonable accommodation for the application process, contact Sharon Nyland at 206-464-1122 or [email protected].
Qualifications
• Minimum of 5 years of litigation experience. Judicial clerkships, fellowships, or externships may be counted as up to one year of litigation experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial, social, and economic justice.
• Demonstrated initiative and creativity, including ability to master new legal areas, operate at a high advocacy level, and consider multi-forum advocacy approaches.
• Excellent research, writing, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage a variety of cases and projects simultaneously and willingness to work in a collaborative environment.
• Experience in impact litigation, particularly in public interest and civil rights law.
• Cultural competence and experience working with low-income client communities.
• Spanish language skills a plus.
• Washington State Bar member or willingness to seek admission as soon as possible upon hiring.
Applications
Position is open until filled. Please note that due to the volume of applications received, CLS is unable to respond to every application. CLS will contact you if we decide to pursue your application. If you apply by e-mail, please make Economic Justice Staff Attorney your subject line. Please send your letter of interest, resume, names and contact information for three professional references, and writing sample to:
Trisa Kern, Director of Program Administration
Columbia Legal Services
101 Yesler Way Suite 300
Seattle, Washington, 98104
[email protected]
Program Policy
Columbia Legal Services is committed to a policy of pluralism and equal opportunity in an environment free of barriers and discriminatory practices for its client communities, Board and staff. Pluralism refers to the active promotion of mutual respect, acceptance, teamwork and productivity among people who are diverse in work background, experience, education, race, color, national origin, sex, age, religious preference, marital status, sexual orientation, sensory, mental and physical abilities, veteran status, or any other perceived differences. The resulting diversity is both a source of program strength and a matter of fundamental human fairness. If you need a reasonable accommodation for the application process, contact Sharon Nyland at 206-464-1122 or [email protected].