Description:
Description:Legal Aid of Western Missouri has an immediate opening for a full-time attorney for our Protecting Immigrant Families Project. This role focuses on clients who were not born in the United States and/or who have limited English proficiency. The majority of the caseload for this position involves representing survivors of domestic violence in order of protection, dissolution of marriage, and custody cases in Jackson, Clay, and Platte Counties. This attorney will also do outreach work with domestic violence shelters and other partner agencies and participate in clinics hosted by these partners. This position also comes with the possibility of representing survivors of domestic violence in immigration matters that are related to their abuse. Fluency in Spanish is preferred but not required.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide full-scope, trauma-informed legal representation to survivors of domestic violence, including immigrants and clients with limited English proficiency, in orders of protection, dissolution of marriage, and custody matters in Jackson, Clay, and Platte Counties.
- When appropriate, represent survivors of domestic violence in immigration matters related to their abuse.
- Conduct outreach and collaborate with domestic violence shelters and community-based organizations to address clients' legal needs.
- Participate in and provide legal advice through clinics hosted by domestic violence shelters and other partner agencies.
- Educate clients and community partners about available legal protections, rights, and resources.
- Maintain accurate case files, meet court deadlines, and manage an active caseload effectively.
- Communicate clearly and compassionately with clients from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
- Other duties as assigned in support of the Protecting Immigrant Families Project.
Requirements:
Required Qualifications:
- A JD and licensed to practice law in Missouri
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Desire and commitment to assist in the delivery of high-quality legal assistance
Preferred Qualifications:
- Fluency in Spanish
- Experience in poverty law, civil rights law, or other public interest practice
