Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney, Expungement and Civil Protection Order Programs

Min 5 yrs required

Full-time

No

Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney - Expungement and Civil Protection Order Programs at Rising for Justice

Position Overview:
Rising for Justice, a public interest legal services provider and clinical education program, is seeking a highly motivated attorney for a full-time Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney position. The attorney will be responsible for providing direct legal representation to low-income residents of Washington, . in expungement and civil protection order cases. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney with a commitment to zealous advocacy to make a difference in the lives of marginalized communities.

Organization Overview:
Rising for Justice, formerly known as . Law Students in Court, is the oldest clinical teaching program in the District of Columbia. For over 50 years, the organization has been providing legal services and clinical education to low-income residents in Washington, .

Programs:
- Respondent Representation Program: This program provides free legal counsel to respondents in Civil Protection Order (CPO) and Anti-Stalking Order (ASO) cases, regardless of the nature of the allegations. This is a crucial service as most CPO respondents must represent themselves in court.
- Expungement Program: Rising for Justice's Expungement program provides free legal representation to individuals seeking to seal their criminal records and move forward from their past. The organization directly represents and partners with pro bono attorneys to assist residents of the District in this complicated legal process.

Position Responsibilities:
- Provide direct client representation to respondents in civil protection and anti-stalking cases, including conducting interviews, providing advice, filing motions, and representing clients in court proceedings.
- Conduct client intake interviews and provide advice at Rising for Justice's . Superior Court office.
- Represent individuals seeking to have their criminal histories sealed or expunged in . Superior Court, including conducting interviews, determining eligibility, preparing and filing motions, and attending court hearings.
- Develop and present outreach and community education initiatives and training sessions with legal and other community groups.
- Facilitate expungement clinics, attend staff meetings, assist with fundraising, and maintain accurate data in the case management system.
- Depending on experience, may be responsible for mentoring pro bono attorneys, and training and supervising legal assistants or interns.

Qualifications:
- Licensed to practice in the District of Columbia, eligible to waive into the DC Bar, or otherwise eligible to practice under . App. R. 49(c)(9)(B) regarding recent law school graduates.
- Experience representing individuals from diverse backgrounds and marginalized communities.
- Demonstrated commitment to client-centered representation for clients accused of criminal conduct.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team of lawyers, paralegals, and social workers.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Fluency in Spanish is preferred but not required.
- Criminal litigation experience is highly desirable.
- Senior Staff Attorney applicants must have at least five years of relevant post-law school experience.

Diversity and Inclusion:
At Rising for Justice, diversity, inclusion, and equal justice are core values. The organization is committed to maintaining a welcoming, innovative, and collaborative workplace where all voices are heard and respected. They seek attorneys who embrace their mission and values. Diversity, inclusion, and non-discrimination are extended to all aspects of employment, including race, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, personal appearance, genetic information, political affiliation, marital status, family responsibilities, disability, status as a veteran, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law or regulation. Alumni of LSIC/RFJ are encouraged to apply.

Hours, Salary, and Benefits:
This is a full-time position with a 40-hour work week. Salary is commensurate with experience. Rising for Justice offers an excellent benefits package, including employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous sick, annual, and personal leave; life and disability insurance; and paid federal and local holidays.

Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to with the subject line "Expungement and Civil Protection Order Programs [Your Full Name]." The organization will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled, so candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

to apply: each candidate should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample by email to
hiring@risingforjustice. to apply: each candidate should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample by email to
. please indicate “expungement and civil protection order programs
[your full name]” in the subject line of the email

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