Description:

A Social Justice Organization is seeking a highly motivated attorney with a commitment to zealous advocacy on behalf of their clients for a full-time Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney position. The attorney will be responsible for direct legal representation of low-income residents of Washington, D.C. in expungement and civil protection order cases.

About Rising for Justice:
Created in 1969, A Social Justice Organization, formerly known as D.C. Law Students in Court, is the oldest clinical teaching program in the District of Columbia. A Social Justice Organization currently operates as a public interest legal services provider and clinical education program.

What we do:
Respondent Representation Program: Every year, thousands of individuals appear at Civil Protection Order (“CPO”) and Anti-Stalking Order (“ASO”) hearings in the Domestic Violence Division of the Superior Court and face losing custody of their children, deportation, incarceration, or other severe consequences that are generally associated with criminal proceedings. However, where criminal defendants have the right to counsel, most CPO respondents must represent themselves. Rising For Justice is the only organization to provide free legal counsel to respondents in CPO and ASO cases regardless of the nature of the allegations.

Expungement Program: Rising for Justice's Expungement program is one of the few programs in Washington, D.C. where individuals with criminal records can seek free legal representation to seal their criminal records and put the past behind them. A Social Justice Organization directly represents and partners with pro bono attorneys to provide free legal counsel to help residents of the District pursue the complicated legal process of clearing their criminal records.

Position Responsibilities:

Providing direct client representation to respondents in civil protection and antistalking cases, including conducting client interviews, providing advice, filing motions, and providing representation at trial and other court proceedings.
Conducting client intake interviews and providing advice and brief legal services at Rising for Justice's D.C. Superior Court office.
Providing direct client representation to individuals seeking to have their arrest or criminal histories sealed or expunged in D.C. Superior Court, including conducting client interviews, determining client eligibility, preparing and filing relevant motions, and attending court hearings.
Helping develop, facilitate, and present outreach and community education initiatives and training sessions with legal and other community groups relating to the referenced programs.
Helping develop and facilitate expungement clinics, attending staff meetings, assisting with organizational fundraising activities as needed, and ensuring the accurate and complete input of data in the office's case management system.
Depending on experience, other responsibilities may include mentoring of pro bono attorneys, and training and supervision of 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 D.C. 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 well independently and collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of lawyers, paralegals, and social workers.
Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate and connect with people from various backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
Excellent oral and written advocacy skills. • Excellent organization skills, including the ability to manage a diverse caseload.
Spanish fluency 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.