Staff Attorney

Job Title

Staff Attorney

Executive Director

Full Time, Hybrid/In-Person

Exempt

Monday – Friday, flexible schedule with occasional evening and weekend hours required for clinics and initiatives.

$85,000 - $95,000

Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, Paid Holidays, Health Insurance

Bellingham, WA

LAW Advocates is a non-profit legal services provider. LAW Advocates provides high quality free legal services, including representation, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Program Support, Collaboration & Trauma‑Informed Practice

• 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.

Community Outreach & Legal Education

• 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.

Pro Bono & Organizational Support

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.

Required:

• Licensed to practice law and in good standing in Washington State.
• Eligible for and willing to obtain Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribal Board admission as soon as possible.
• Commitment to access to justice and…