Description:
Job Summary:The VISTAS/VOCA Project Attorney shall provide legal representation and advocacy to victims of general crime in family matter cases and permanent protection order hearings. Clients are likely to present with a wide range of unmet needs beyond legal matters. As part of a holistic approach, the work may include representation and advocacy in many areas. Areas of primary focus shall be on family law, safety, and education on victims' rights within the legal process. Legal representation may include provision of advice, limited services, extended representation, and referrals as needed.
The VISTAS/VOCA Project Attorney will possess a working understanding of trauma-informed care. Critically, the Project Attorney will have good understanding of the dynamics and impacts of marginalization, discrimination, bias, and inequities of the social and legal systems within which our clients operate. The VISTAS/VOCA Project Attorney shall provide effective oversight of cases served by the VISTAS Legal Victims' Advocate and consultation to other members of the VISTAS team. An over-arching goal of the VISTAS/VOCA Project is to structure safety for survivors of violence and their children.
Job Status: Full Time
Division: VISTAS Project
Location: Denver, Colorado
Reports to: VISTAS Director
Division: VISTAS Project
Location: Denver, Colorado
Reports to: VISTAS Director
Duties and Responsibilities: Position Specific
Other duties as assigned.
- Work collaboratively with Servicios' VISTAS Program team members
- Provide consultation and supervision to VISTAS' Legal Victims' Advocates, and consultation to other members of the VISTAS team
- Conduct interviews with clients
- Develop case theory and strategy for representation
- Prepare pleadings including but not limited to summons, motions, answers, memoranda of law, briefs as may be needed.
- Prepare cases and represent clients in negotiations, hearings, trials, and initial status conference
- Keep clients informed on an ongoing basis and counsel them about options
- Monitor and maintain client files in a timely manner
- Stay current on the law
- Identify and work with management to address program needs and development
- Coordinate and host Legal Educational Nights for Victim/Survivors
Other duties as assigned.
Duties and Responsibilities: General
- All members of the SDLR workforce are expected to support the agency's community outreach, engagement, and recruitment efforts.
- All members of the SDLR workforce are expected to support and engage in advocacy for social justice, community outreach and engagement, and bringing voice to the voiceless.
Required Skills:
- Fluid competence in written and spoken Spanish is required
- Commitment to and experience with equity, cultural relevance, diversity, social justice, and disparity reduction practices with persons of color, agencies of color, and un- and underserved communities
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, agency partners, and the public
- Competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
Required Education, Credentialing, and Experience:
Working Environment and Physical Requirements
- Juris Doctor Degree
- License to Practice Law in Colorado
- 3-5 Years of experience in practice of law for victims of sexual, domestic, and physical violence, and crime
- Demonstrated organizational skills
- 75-person workforce situated across multiple regional offices.
- ADA accessible; Active Safety Committee.
- Ability to perform basic office duties.