Staff Attorney

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Hours
:
Monday– Friday, flexible schedule withoccasionalevening and weekend hoursrequiredfor clinics and initiatives.

Pay Range
:$85,000 - $95,000

Location
:
Bellingham, WA

The Organization
: LAW Advocates is a non-profit legal services provider. LAW Advocates provides high quality free legal services, including representationof,advice and education to and advocacy on behalf of those communities and individuals who by reason of poverty are unable to effectively access orutilizethe 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.

The Staff Attorney will providedirectcivil legalservicesto low-incomeclientswhile supporting LAW Advocates’ growing community-basedprograms.

A significant proportionofactivities willfocus on direct representation and clinic-based services at Lummi Nation, Nooksack Tribeandthe Domestic  Violence Parenting Plan Clinic .The remaining time supports generalcivil legal aid services, outreach,collaboration with volunteer attorneys and clinics,and organizational initiatives.

The Staff Attorney reports to the Executive Director for administrative and programmatic supervision. Consistent withprofessionalresponsibility rules, the Staff Attorney exercisesindependentlegal judgment indeterminingcase acceptance, legal strategy, and client representation,in accordance with

LAW Advocates’ established eligibility criteria, priorities, and ethical obligations.

include,but are not limited to
:

• Managea mixed civil legal caseload,includingreferral services, legal advice, brief services, limited-scopeassistance, and full representation.
• Provide direct representationin prioritycases,including Domestic Violence Parenting  Plan (DVPP) matters, Lummi Nation, and Nooksack Tribal Courts.
• Provide general civil legal assistancein family law, housing stability, probate, consumer, or relatedcivil legal matters, consistent with organizational priorities, as capacity allows.

• Collaborate with community partners,tribal agencies,domesticviolenceserviceproviders,volunteer attorneys,to deliver coordinated, culturally responsive legal services.
• Foster a compassionate and safe environment for clients and volunteer attorneyssupportingtrauma survivors.
• Identify recurring legal barriers impactingclients 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 outreachandlegaleducation 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 volunteer 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.

• 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…