Legal Aid of the District of Columbia seeks a self-motivated and creative lawyer to fill the role of Staff Attorney in our Impact Litigation program.
The Impact Litigation Staff Attorney will be part of Legal Aid’s Systemic Advocacy and Law Reform Program. The Systemic Advocacy Program includes the Barbara McDowell Appellate Advocacy Project and the Policy Advocacy and Community Engagement and Outreach programs. This position reports to the Director of Impact Litigation and will work with the Director to help build the program, which was created in 2023.
Responsibilities:
Maintain a Caseload of Affirmative Litigation Matters
Handle an active caseload, handling all aspects of litigation, including but not limited to: drafting and editing complaints, motions and briefs; taking depositions; arguing motions; selecting and preparing expert witnesses; negotiating possible resolutions; and participating in hearings and trials.
Generate ideas for potential affirmative litigation by partnering with the Direct Legal Services Program and the Community Outreach and Engagement Program to conduct investigations and identify possible claims and plaintiffs.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legal issues relevant to Legal Aid’s practice areas and client community.
Work in Collaboration with the Systemic Advocacy Program
Collaborate with Systemic Advocacy team to identify matters that may be ripe for other methods of advocacy, including policy and appellate, and work collaboratively to advance those efforts.
Partner with Community Lawyering program to conduct regular community listening sessions and outreach to help identify challenges that may have litigation solutions.
Build and Maintain External Partnerships
Partner with other legal services and community-based organizations to identify and pursue litigation that advances Legal Aid’s systemic priorities.
Cultivate relationships and partner with law firm pro bono counsel to co-counsel and/or refer cases.
Note: Legal Aid is currently operating on a hybrid work plan. Some in-person work is required, both in Legal Aid’s main office, our community office in Anacostia, and at community-based locations.
Salary and Benefits:
The attorney will be paid in accordance with Legal Aid's policy based on years of full-time legal experience. Lateral hires will receive credit for years of relevant work experience.
Starting salaries are as follows:
Entry-level attorney (who has passed the Bar): starting at $60,991
Attorney with 3 years full-time legal work experience: starting at $68,120
Attorney with 5 years full-time legal work experience: starting at $76,344
Attorney with 10 years full-time legal work experience: starting at $88,791
Legal Aid generally provides two salary increases per year, depending on funding availability: a cost-of-living increase at the beginning of the year and a step increase in July.
Legal Aid offers a generous benefits package includes fully paid health insurance (for the employee), annual discretionary retirement match, 12 paid holidays, three personal days and generous annual and sick leave allotments starting at 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave per year.
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320.
Membership or immediate eligibility for membership in the DC bar is required. Candidates must be admitted to practice law to be considered for this position. The ideal candidate will have the following:
A demonstrated commitment to racial, social, and economic justice;
Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills;
Experience with complex litigation, including affirmative, impact, or class action litigation;
Knowledge of one or more of Legal Aid’s practice areas, civil rights, or poverty law;
The ability to work both independently and collaboratively with teams;
Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments.
Bilingual skills (in Spanish, Amharic, or another language prevalent in Legal Aid’s client community) are preferred but not required.
Legal Aid values an inclusive, diverse workplace and encourages applications from interested persons from diverse backgrounds of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. We strongly encourage applications from people with personal experience with the criminal legal system and/or with lived experiences in the communities we serve. Interested persons are encouraged to apply immediately and should submit a letter of interest and resume. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. Please submit cover letter and resume here: https://legalaiddc.bamboohr.com/careers/122. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. Position remains open until filled. No emails or phone calls, please.