Staff Attorney

The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is a not-for-profit statewide law firm that pursues its mission of combating injustice, strengthening communities and protecting human dignity through legal representation, community partnerships, and education to promote the long-term well-being of low-income individuals, families, and communities throughout Washington.  NJP seeks applications from qualified attorneys committed to supporting our mission through the work of our Wenatchee office serving Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan, Grant and Adams counties, in North Central Washington.  This is a full-time position.

Prior experience in all aspects of civil litigation with emphasis on housing, public benefits, consumer, family law, and other issues that impact low-income persons in Washington is preferred.  Experience in affirmative litigation in state or federal court and experience in addressing systemic issues is a plus. Significant civil legal aid and related advocacy experience is also preferred, but not required. Applicants should be culturally competent and have demonstrated experience working with low-income client communities, communities of color, limited English and persons with disabilities. Bi-lingual Spanish is a strongly preferred.  Washington State Bar Association membership in good standing, the ability to acquire membership through reciprocity, or ability to take the next Washington bar exam is required.  Desire to work in Wenatchee, Washington and willingness to travel to areas throughout North Central Washington is necessary. 

Demonstrated experience and/or connection to NJP’s client communities is preferred. The Northwest Justice Project is especially interested in qualified candidates whose professional, personal and/or service experience allow them to contribute to and support the legal aid community’s commitment to race equity.  Must be willing to be engaged with the community to be served. 

JOB DUTIES:

The Wenatchee staff attorney will undertake a range of duties including, but not limited to:

• Work collaboratively with office team to provide day-to-day legal assistance and direct representation to eligible clients referred to the Wenatchee office in all relevant forums, including state, federal, administrative agencies, and appellate courts.
• Use strategic methods and a broad range of advocacy tools in multiple forums to address high priority client needs, with particular focus on legal needs of persons and groups that experience special barriers to accessing civil legal services, including immigrants, youth, seniors, disabled persons, and other groups.
• Develop collaborative working relationships with a statewide network of advocates working on similar issues throughout the state and participate in advocacy task forces or work groups to address systemic issues that affect seniors, low-income persons, and communities in Washington.
• Engage with client community and participate in legal education events for client groups, social and human services providers, justice system stakeholders, and serve as a resource to other advocates on areas of current or acquired expertise. Utilize NJP’s case management and timekeeping systems and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements and reporting needs.
• Help identify and develop on-line resources for use by attorneys and/or unrepresented litigants on matters within areas of expertise.
• Support the work of NJP partners including the local volunteer lawyer program, private attorneys, programs serving the needs of unrepresented litigants, other legal aid providers and interested parties and organizations addressing the legal needs of low-income persons.

NJP has an organizational commitment to fight racism and to incorporate equity and inclusion in both the work we do and work environment we create.   All staff are expected to uphold this commitment and approach their role with a desire to learn and grow in this area.

COMPENSATION:

Starting salary is based upon years of experience, with an annual salary range starting at $61,933 to $115,754.   We offer a comprehensive benefits package, which includes 100% paid employee health premiums and significant premium shares for family health premiums, as well as generous time off.

Hours of work: NJP’s typical client office hours are 9:00 – 5:00, Monday through Friday. Attorney positions are exempt and those in the position are expected to work the hours needed to meet the professional responsibilities.