Description:
Job Title: Staff AttorneyReports To: Executive Director
Type: Full Time, Hybrid/In-Person
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Hours: Monday – Friday, flexible schedule with occasional evening and weekend hours required for clinics and initiatives.
Pay Range: $85,000 – $95,000
Benefits: Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, Paid Holidays, Health Insurance
Location: Bellingham, WA
The Organization: LAW Advocates is a non-profit legal services provider. LAW Advocates provides high quality free legal services, including representation of, advice and education to and advocacy on behalf of those communities and individuals who by reason of poverty are unable to effectively access or utilize the legal system. LAW Advocates both promotes, encourages and facilitates the provision of pro bono legal services by members of the legal community and provides direct legal services through contract or staff attorneys.
Summary of Job:The Staff Attorney will provide direct civil legal services to low-income clients while supporting LAW Advocates' growing community-based programs. A significant proportion of activities will focus on direct representation and clinic-based services at Lummi Nation, Nooksack Tribe and the Domestic Violence Parenting Plan Clinic. The remaining time supports general civil legal aid services, outreach, collaboration with volunteer attorneys and clinics, and organizational initiatives
Professional Judgment and Supervision: The Staff Attorney reports to the Executive Director for administrative and programmatic supervision. Consistent with professional responsibility rules, the Staff Attorney exercises independent legal judgment in determining case acceptance, legal strategy, and client representation, in accordance with LAW Advocates' established eligibility criteria, priorities, and ethical obligations.
Essential Functions and Duties include, but are not limited to:
Clinic-Based & Direct Representation & Program Support
- Manage a mixed civil legal caseload, including referral services, legal advice, brief services, limited-scope assistance, and full representation.
- Provide direct representation in priority cases, including Domestic Violence Parenting Plan (DVPP) matters, Lummi Nation, and Nooksack Tribal Courts.
- Provide general civil legal assistance in family law, housing stability, probate, consumer, or related civil legal matters, consistent with organizational priorities, as capacity allows.
- Collaborate with community partners, tribal agencies, domestic violence service providers, volunteer attorneys, to deliver coordinated, culturally responsive legal services.
- Foster a compassionate and safe environment for clients and volunteer attorneys supporting trauma survivors.
- Identify recurring legal barriers impacting clients and share insights with staff and partners to support program development and service improvements.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, courts, service providers, and justice system stakeholders to improve access to civil legal aid.
- Participate in community outreach and legal education activities serving low-income individuals and historically underserved communities.
- Engage local, tribal, and regional advocacy networks to address systemic barriers affecting access to justice.
- Represent LAW Advocates in community partnerships, outreach events, and stakeholder meetings.
- Serve as a legal resource to LAW Advocates staff and volunteers attorneys, as appropriate.
- Support and mentor pro bono attorneys participating in clinic services including providing legal guidance and developing training materials.
- Maintain accurate client records and case documentation using LAW Advocates' case management and timekeeping systems to ensure compliance and continuity of representation.
- Work collaboratively with LAW Advocates staff to provide day-to-day legal assistance and support organizational initiatives.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Licensed to practice law and in good standing in Washington State
- Eligible for and willing to obtain Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribal Bar admission as soon as possible
- Commitment to access to justice and serving marginalized populations
- Strong communication, legal writing, and organizational skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including tribal leaders, legal professionals, and service providers
- Ability to manage competing priorities.
- Valid driver's license, access to a reliable vehicle, and proof of insurance required
- Ability to travel within Washington state, primarily within Whatcom County
Preferred:
- Experience working with tribal communities and Indigenous clients.
- Background in family law, domestic violence advocacy, or public interest law.
- Experience with trauma-informed legal practice and cultural humility.
- Conversational Spanish proficiency is strongly preferred.
Application deadline: Open until filled
LAW Advocates is committed to advancing racial equity and incorporating equity and inclusion in its community engagement, program delivery, internal systems, and work environment. LAW Advocates expects all staff to incorporate racial equity into their work and approach their role with a commitment to learn and grow in this area.
LAW Advocates is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in lived experience, background, and perspective. Applicants from communities historically underrepresented in the legal community, including people of color, Indigenous applicants, people who identify as LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals needing reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process or for more information please email opmanager@lawadvocates.org
