Directing Attorney
Columbia Legal Services seeks a full-time Directing Attorney to supervise the litigation and policy initiatives of our Children and Youth Project Group. This position is based in 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.
- Identify practices and laws that adversely affect the rights and diminish the benefits of children and youth, and devise creative strategies for addressing these problems.
- 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 improving opportunities for Washington’s children and youth to have safe and stable families and homes, quality education, health care, and economic stability.
- 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.
- Work with a team of four other Directing Attorneys and organizational leadership to oversee and advance large-scale, strategic organization-wide initiatives.
- Travel occasionally around the state to attend meetings and supervise staff members, including possible travel to Olympia during the legislative session.
Compensation
CLS offers a competitive and comprehensive compensation package including generous holiday and paid time off, and excellent 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 use advocacy 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 eight years of complex litigation and advocacy experience, with preferable focus on civil rights and class actions. Legislative experience a plus. Minimum of three years in a supervisory role.
- Experience with broad children and youth advocacy issues, such as education, juvenile justice, health care, foster care, youth homelessness, immigrant youth, or related areas of law.
- Strong communication skills and desire to motivate and lead.
- Demonstrated initiative and creativity, commitment to children and youth advocacy, 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. employee.
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 e-mailed, please make Children and Youth 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.