Description:

Rising for Justice (RFJ) seeks a highly motivated, client-centered attorney to join its Criminal Record Sealing Program. Reporting to the Program Director, the Staff Attorney will provide direct legal representation to low-income District residents seeking to seal or expunge their records. The role also supports community education, pro bono engagement, and RFJ's clinical training mission.

Criminal Record Sealing Program: RFJ helps District residents navigate the complex legal process of sealing or expunging eligible arrest and criminal records. Staff attorneys provide direct representation and partner with pro bono counsel to help clients move forward with a fresh start.

Key Responsibilities:

Record Sealing Representation: Represent clients seeking to seal or expunge arrest and criminal records in D.C. Superior Court. Conduct interviews, assess eligibility, prepare and file motions, and appear at hearings when necessary.
Court-Based Services: Conduct client intake interviews, assess legal needs, and provide legal advice, brief services, and referrals as appropriate.
Community Outreach and Education: Plan and deliver community outreach initiatives, Know Your Rights workshops, and trainings for legal and community-based organizations. Assist in conducting community education events as needed, build trust relationships with residents and partners, and represent RFJ at resource fairs and other public events.
Supervision and Volunteer Support: Depending on experience, train and mentor pro bono attorneys and assist with the supervision of legal assistants, law students, interns, and other volunteers.
Additional Responsibilities: Participate in occasional evening and weekend outreach, training, and community engagement events and perform other duties that support program and organizational goals.

Qualifications:

Licensed to practice in the District of Columbia, eligible to waive into the D.C. Bar, or otherwise eligible to practice under D.C. App. R. 49(c)(9)(B) as a recent law school graduate.
Experience representing individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people from marginalized and under-resourced communities.
Demonstrated commitment to client-centered representation, including for clients accused of criminal conduct.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team of attorneys, paralegals, social workers, students, and volunteers.
Cultural humility and the ability to communicate respectfully, build trust, and connect with people across backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.
Excellent oral and written advocacy skills.
Strong organizational and case-management skills, including the ability to manage a varied caseload and competing deadlines.
Spanish fluency is preferred but not required.
Criminal litigation experience is highly desirable.

Salary and benefits:
This is a full-time position with a 40-hour workweek. The annual salary range for this position is $60,049 to $80,701, based on RFJ's fixed salary scale for years of relevant experience. RFJ's compensation includes 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. RFJ currently offers a hybrid work environment with three days in the office.