Description:

Primary Purpose of the Job: The Staff Attorney provides direct legal representation and legal assistance to victims of domestic violence; coordinates the pro bono attorney program; provides domestic violence training to law enforcement, attorneys, and other members of the legal community; and oversees Peace at Home's Legal Department.

Essential Duties:

Fill existing gaps in the community by acting as a safety net for qualifying individuals who are unable to receive legal services from other victim service providers.
Establish and implement screening procedures for clients seeking legal services.
Represent victims of domestic violence in family law proceedings, including cases involving divorce, custody, paternity, visitation, child support, and orders of protection.
Help victims of domestic violence apply for U-visas, T-visas, VAWA self-petitions, asylum, and other appropriate immigration remedies.
Prepare and file legal documents for clients.
Appear in court on behalf of clients.
Initiate court proceedings, if applicable.
Develop and maintain network of attorneys willing to provide services to Peace at Home clients, pro-bono or at a reduced fee.
Supervise the Staff Attorney, Legal Advocates, and Law Clerk.
Develop and maintain a close working relationship with community partners, such as Legal Aid of Arkansas, Catholic Charities, and the University of Arkansas Immigration Clinic.
Provide advice and appropriate referrals to clients who are not otherwise eligible for representation.
Maintain client records and statistical data.
Complete all grant reporting requirements for the OVW LAV grant.
Maintain Legal Advocacy documents on the server to ensure that all materials are organized and functional.
At the requests of the Program Director, create reports on activities and describe challenges/successes for board meetings.
Participate in advocate training and conduct legal trainings for staff.
Enter daily activities into database.

Required Experience & Preferred Qualifications
The Staff Attorney must have a good working knowledge of the family court system and Arkansas laws relating to divorce, custody, order of protections, and other family law issues. The attorney must have a good working knowledge of immigration law, especially with respect to immigration remedies available to victims of domestic violence. The Staff Attorney must understand the dynamics of domestic violence and must respect clients' rights to self-determination. The Staff Attorney must also be organized, exhibit good written and oral communication skills, and be able to work well with other staff members and community partners.

Required Education:
A law degree (JD) is required. Must be admitted to the Arkansas Bar.

Working Conditions:

Occasional out-of-town travel for meetings, conferences, & trainings- using rental or personal vehicles
Occasional over-time work required throughout the year.

Safety Hazards

Minimal hazards. General office working conditions.
Risk of verbal/physical confrontation

This job description does not list all of the duties of the job. You may be asked by supervisors or managers to perform other instructions or duties. All employees are expected to represent themselves and the organization professionally at all times. You will be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in the job description. Management has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason, or no reason at all.