Description:

DC Affordable Law Firm (DCALF) is rooted in the conviction that income should never be a barrier to justice. Founded in 2015 to help close access to justice gaps in the District of Columbia, DCALF serves an expansive range of hardworking DC residents unable to afford market-based legal services, including modest-income residents whose household incomes put them just beyond the limits of traditional legal aid and low-income residents navigating unmet legal needs. Through innovative programming and a commitment to equity, DCALF delivers no cost and low-cost legal services in family law, probate, estate planning, and immigration, bridging the gaps in DC's civil justice system and delivering transformative legal services that empower DC residents to thrive.

Across the past decade, DCALF has solidified its role as a mainstay DC legal services organization with a staff of 30 and a strong network of institutional partners and pro bono volunteers. DCALF serves more than 500 clients annually, reaching hundreds more through community education and outreach across DC. DCALF's award-winning annual fellowship programs play an essential role in expanding access to justice, empowering recent law graduates to become skilled public interest attorneys and lifelong champions for justice.

Since its founding in 2015, DCALF has launched the careers of over 60 passionate, diverse public interest attorneys through its Signature LL.M. Fellowship Program, thanks to enduring partnerships with Georgetown University Law Center and the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law.

Position Overview:
The Probate & Estate Planning (PEP) Staff Attorney will focus on increasing access to justice in probate and estate planning matters. The PEP Staff Attorney will engage in direct representation, advice, and advocacy on behalf of DCALF clients and community members. The direct representation of clients primarily includes representing personal representatives probating their loved one's estates and helping individuals draft proactive estate plans for their incapacity and after death. This position will also involve community outreach and education to expand awareness of our probate and estate planning, mechanisms for avoiding heirs' property and probate, and how effective planning can benefit DC residents.

The PEP Staff Attorney will manage their own full caseload and maintain timekeeping, data, and case files consistent with organizational policies. In addition to casework and community outreach, the Staff Attorney will offer informal mentorship and support to fellows in DCALF's 15-month post-graduate fellowship program. The PEP Staff Attorney will participate in all case rounds and staff meetings, follow and enhance organizational policies and procedures, and report to the Probate & Estate Planning Managing Attorney.

This job description is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the position or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

Qualifications:

J.D.; Licensed to practice law and in good standing in the District of Columbia;
2+ years' experience post-J.D. in a judicial clerkship or in direct legal services, government, or private practice;
Experience and comfort navigating issues of property, debt, and/or finances is preferred. Further, a background in probate law or estate planning is preferred but not required;
Dedication to access to justice;
Emphasis on client-centered and trauma-informed advocacy;
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people;
Ability to work well under pressure, multitask, and adapt in a fast-paced;
Strong organizational abilities with a detail-oriented and deadline-driven approach to work;
Creativity in identifying and implementing solutions;
Sound independent judgment and decision-making skills;
Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and race equity;
Willingness to reflect upon critical feedback;
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and Excel required;
Community engagement and/or community education experience preferred;
Spanish language proficiency (oral and written) a plus.
DCALF uses Microsoft 365, including Outlook and SharePoint, Clio and NetDocuments. As such, the willingness to adopt and, if necessary, learn these and other core DCALF tech systems are required to be successful in this role.

Compensation & Benefits:
This is a full-time salaried, non-exempt position. The starting annual salary for a candidate with two years of prior experience practicing law is $68,000, with increases to the starting salary based on prior years of experience practicing law.

In addition, this position is eligible for DCALF's Spanish Language stipend of $2,500 annually for a candidate with a demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written Spanish.

DCALF offers the following benefits:

401(k) retirement plan with 3% employer match.
Medical insurance and elective dental and vision insurance options.
Generous paid leave, including vacation, sick, and personal days, winter break closure (Christmas Day to New Year's Day), Thanksgiving break, and all Federal and local DC holidays.
Paid parental/family leave through the DC Paid Family Leave Program.
Ongoing training opportunities.

Through employment with DCALF, attorneys may also be eligible for the Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) offered through the DC Bar Foundation (DCBF). The DCBF's LRAP provides one-year, interest-free, forgivable loans of up to $12,000 per year to qualified attorneys.

Work Environment:
DCALF is currently working in a hybrid remote/in-person model. Due to the responsibilities of this position, the ability to travel to the office and DC Superior Court with ease and regularity is required, as well as working a minimum of two days per week in the DCALF office, consistent with DCALF policies and client or work demands. Despite the opportunity to work remotely, the selected candidate for this position must maintain residence in the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia for the duration of DCALF employment.

Application Process:
Interested applicants should apply through DCALF's employment page, including their cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For best consideration, apply by January 4th, 2026. Early applications are encouraged. No calls will be accepted regarding this posting.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
DC Affordable Law Firm is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. DCALF strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, sex (specifically including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, unhoused status, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation political affiliation, tobacco use, credit information, status as unemployed, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.