Directing Attorney
Columbia Legal Services seeks a full-time Directing Attorney to supervise the litigation and policy initiatives of our Economic Justice Project Group. This position may be based in Olympia or Seattle.
The Directing Attorney will:
- Direct the activities of the project group, including assigning, supervising, managing, and defining the scope of work on complex trial and appellate litigation, class actions, legislative advocacy and other policy work. The Directing Attorney is expected to maintain their own caseload, as well.
- Facilitate communication, foster teamwork, and serve as an energetic and effective liaison across project groups and throughout statewide and national networks to identify opportunities and execute strategies to advance the law in protecting homeowners, tenants, consumers and others affected by the economic crisis.
- Review the effectiveness and quality of advocacy activities, conduct performance management, actively participate in professional and leadership development for team members, and provide mentorship, support and resources to enable the project group to perform at the highest level.
- Identify practices and laws that adversely affect the rights and diminish the benefits of people affected by broad economic justice issues, and devise creative strategies for addressing these problems.
- Work with a team of five Directing Attorneys and organizational leadership to oversee and advance large-scale, strategic organization-wide initiatives.
- Be available to travel occasionally around the state to attend meetings and supervise staff members, and during the legislative session.
Compensation
CLS offers a competitive compensation package and generous holiday, paid time off, and health care benefits. Salary is commensurate with experience.
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 useadvocacy that might otherwise not be available makes our work an integral part of the Washington Alliance for Equal Justice. As a proud member of the Alliance, 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 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.
Qualifications
- Minimum 8 years of complex litigation and advocacy experience. Minimum of three years in a supervisory role.
- Experience with broad economic justice issues, such as foreclosure, consumer finance, bankruptcy, housing, or related areas of law.
- Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to motivate and lead.
- Demonstrated initiative and creativity, commitment to social and economic justice, and the ability to master new legal areas and operate at a high advocacy level.
- Excellent research, writing, negotiation, and analytical skills.
- Ability to manage a variety of work and projects simultaneously, willingness to work well with a team, and meet deadlines.
- Cultural competence and experience working with or on behalf of low-income client communities.
- Member of Washington State Bar or prepared to seek admission as soon as possible upon hiring.
- Spanish language skills a plus.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.
Position is open until filled. Please note that due to the volume of applications received, CLS is unableto respond to every application. CLS will contact you if we decide to pursue your application. If e-mailed, please make Economic Justice Directing Attorney your subject line. Please send your letter of interest, resume, three professional references, and writing sample to:
Trisa Kern, Director of Program Administration
Columbia Legal Services
101 Yesler Way Suite 300
Seattle, Washington, 98104
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 jobs@columbialegal.org.