The Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia seeks at least one attorney for its Domestic Violence/Family Law Unit. This attorney will be part of Legal Aid's project at the Domestic Violence Intake Center at the Greater Southeast General Hospital (DVICES). She or he will work both at the DVICES and at Legal Aid's Main office in Northwest DC. Child support enforcement for survivors of domestic violence will be a significant focus of this attorney's work.

The Legal Aid Society was formed in 1932 to "provide legal aid and counsel to indigent persons in civil law matters and to encourage measures by which the law may better protect and serve their needs." Legal Aid is the oldest general civil legal services program in the District of Columbia. Over the last 70 years, tens of thousands of the District's neediest residents have been served by Legal Aid staff and volunteers.

Tasks and Duties: The Staff Attorney will handle a caseload of family law cases, primarily representing domestic violence victims, perform initial interviews and safety planning and (depending on experience) mentor other attorneys, and work on child support matters. Experience in either domestic violence or family law and DC bar membership are preferred. The ability to speak Spanish or another relevant language is a plus.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have, at a minimum, the following:
Strong litigation, organizational, and written and oral communication skills;
The ability to work collaboratively with other staff;
Legal services experience or the equivalent;
A willingness to handle a significant case load of individual cases and assist or take the lead on policy reform efforts; and
A demonstrated commitment to social and economic justice.

Salary and Benefits: The attorney will be paid in accordance with Legal Aid's attorney salary scale. Legal Aid also offers a generous benefits package.

To Apply: Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. Position open until filled. Legal Aid encourages all interested persons regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or disability to apply. Interested persons should send a letter of interest and resume to the attention of: Kathy Hays, Legal Aid Society, Domestic Violence/Child Support Attorney Search, 666 Eleventh Street, N.W., Suite 800, Washington, DC 20001, Fax: (202) 727-2132, E-mail: khays@legalaiddc.org

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