Description:
Summary:The primary function of the VRCCT Staff Attorney is to provide direct legal representation to low -income victims of crime to aid in asserting and enforcing their rights in pre- and post-arrest in criminal cases. The attorney will also assist victims in civil legal issues that arise from a client's victimization including securing restraining and protective orders, education and Title IX, employment, emergency custody petitions, and housing accommodations. This position requires frequent travel to New Haven, Hartford, Middlesex, Eastern Fairfield, & Southern Fairfield counties.
The VRCCT Staff Attorney is a full-time position with benefits and reports to Program Director/Managing Attorney.
Essential Functions:
Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:
- Manage own caseload of clients
- Provide legal representation in criminal cases, CHRO & EEOC cases, Title IX cases, & Civil Protection Order and Temporary Restraining Order hearings
- Provide clients with legal information through brief service consultations
- Attend weekly, all-program staff case conferences
- Attend bi-monthly staff meetings at The Alliance
- Attend monthly one-on-one supervision with the Program Director
- Responsible for data entry into Legal Files and being current with services and outcomes for grant reporting purposes
- Responsible for timely, monthly submission of Time & Activity Reports to direct supervisor
- Assist with administrative tasks based on program needs, including intakes/referrals, scheduling brief services consults, conduct brief services consults/phone calls, etc.
- Assist the VRCCT team with closed case project
- Maintain a diverse caseload at all times, with cases of all practice areas
- Accept cases in all CT judicial districts
- Work collaboratively with other service providers and program partners to apply a multidisciplinary and victim-centered approach to cases
- Attend meetings, training and site visits with other agencies and programs of the Alliance
- Education and Years of Experience:
- Juris Doctor Degree and License to practice law in the state of Connecticut
- At least 2 years of related work experience with victims of sexual assault, domestic and/or family violence, child abuse, and related crimes
Qualifications:
- Demonstrate experience working with victims of sexual assault, domestic and/or family violence, child abuse and related crimes
- Experience working with trauma survivors and/or underserved populations
- Willingness to learn about the broad spectrum of legal needs of crime victims
- Excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal, time management skills
- Proficient computer skills and experience including data entry, utilization of software including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Legal Files, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, and internet/email required
- Ability to work with diverse populations in a team environment while also working independently
- Ability to initiate and follow through on projects including the timely updating and maintaining of data and records
- Possess legal experience and skills to devise flexible solutions to complex problems
- Be prepared both to negotiate with and to confront inflexible government and legal systems
- Demonstrated ability to react to change productively, manage multiple tasks and proactively resolve conflicts
- Ability to interact sensitively with clients who have experienced trauma
- Valid driver's license and vehicle required
- Bilingual applicants a plus
Work Environment:
This job operates in a professional office environment in East Hartford, CT
The position requires regular in-state travel, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected.