Supervising Attorney, Domestic Violence/Family Law

Description

PURPOSE STATEMENT

To supervise legal staff and provide comprehensive legal representation to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in civil protection orders and family law cases, including child custody, child support, and divorce.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

Ayuda is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA.

WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB?

Because, just like everyone at Ayuda, you believe:

• In seeing communities where all immigrants succeed and thrive in the United States.
• In the overall success of our organization and all our programs.
• That families should be healthy and safe from harm.
• That all people should have access to professional, honest, and ethical services, regardless of ability to pay or status in this country.
• That diversity and equality make this country better.

WHAT WILL THIS JOB ENTAIL?

This position will be based primarily in our DC or Maryland office, and will require in-person travel to state courts.

This position is hybrid and will include both in-person and remote workdays.

Core responsibilities of the position include the following:

• Supervise Domestic Violence/Family Law staff attorneys and/or senior staff attorneys, paralegals and/or legal interns;
• Provide legal representation and advice to low-income immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in civil protection orders and family law cases (child custody, child?support?and divorce) in DC Superior Court and/or Maryland District and Circuit Courts;
• Advocate on behalf of clients in related criminal matters through our Crime Victims Rights Advocacy project;
• Collaborate with Ayuda’s Immigration and Social Services staff to ensure provision of holistic services;
• Assist with managing grant requirements such as data entry, regular reporting and budget management;
• Represent Ayuda at local coalition meetings and participate in local and national advocacy initiatives;
• Deliver trainings and presentations to stakeholders including the community, service providers and law enforcement;
• Stay current on relevant laws and policies by attending trainings and conferences and reviewing new laws, regulations, and court rules;
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN DO THIS JOB?

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain proper work authorization throughout employment.
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position presented in a general office environment.

Qualifications

The following qualifications are the qualities, experiences, and skills we seek in a candidate.

Candidates who don't feel that they meet every single qualification, but who still believe they’d be the right fit for this role, are encouraged to consider applying! We're eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways -- not just candidates who check all the boxes.

Education/Experience:

• J.D. from accredited law school;
• Member in good standing with the District of Columbia or Maryland bar, with the ability to waive into the other jurisdiction.
• At least three years’ experience practicing family law, including litigation experience in contested matters, and experience representing survivors of trauma.
• At least one year of experience supervising legal assistants, paralegals, and/or legal interns required, with experience supervising other attorneys strongly preferred.

Language Skills:

• Fluency in written and spoken Spanish highly preferred.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated sensitivity to and knowledge of issues involved in working with diverse populations;
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills; must be comfortable presenting in public and in oral arguments before the courts;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse multidisciplinary team, including in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to work in collaboration with colleagues, external partners, and client communities;
• Strong work ethic, discreet, resourceful, and able to maintain confidentiality;
• Detail-oriented, with excellent time management and multi-tasking skills;
• Proven problem-solving skills with ability to analyze situations, identify existing or potential problems, and recommend solutions;
• Decisive, with ability to exercise independent judgment;
• Ability to understand legal ethical obligations and understand when and how to seek appropriate supervision.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The anticipated salary for this position is $90,000 - $106,300 depending on experience.

For example, a supervising attorney with 2 years of relevant supervisory experience would receive a salary of $94,800.

We are proud of the benefits we can offer that include:

• Platinum-level medical insurance plan 100% employer-paid
• Dental and vision insurance 100% employer paid
• Long-term disability insurance 100% employer paid
• Life and AD&D insurance 100% employer paid
• Pre-tax 401(k) with Employer match on first 3% of salary
• Vacation Days: 21 days per year until year 3, 27 per year in years 3-7 and 33 days per year after 7 years employment. Employees begin with 3 days of vacation leave.
• New employees begin with 5 days of Health & Wellness (sick) leave and accrue an additional 5 hours per pay period plus emergency medical leave up to 12 weeks per year
• 12 weeks paid parental leave
• 24 days paid holidays and staff wellness days, including Winter Break, the last week of the year
• Job-related professional development fees (including annual state bar dues and professional memberships)
• Flexible work schedules

Employees with federal student loan debt may be eligible to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Department of Education. For more information, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.

This position is exempt for overtime purposes.

TO APPLY:

Please apply with resume and cover letter. Writing samples may be requested.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Apply early for full consideration. No phone calls, please.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT:

Ayuda is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

We believe that a diversity of experiences, opinions, and backgrounds is integral to achieving our mission and vision. We celebrate diversity and seek to leverage the passion, energy, and ideas of a culturally diverse team. Our hiring decisions are based on merit, and our hiring and promotion practices comply with all applicable anti-discrimination laws.