Staff Attorney - CHINS​/TPR

Overview

At Kids’ Voice of Indiana, our work is rooted in justice, integrity, compassion, equity, and impact. Every role in our organization contributes to protecting children, supporting families, and strengthening communities. Within our GAL/CASA program, we amplify children’s voices in court and advocate for their best interests in Indiana’s child welfare system. If you’re an attorney who values meaningful work, ethical advocacy, and collaborative teamwork, this is an opportunity to make a real difference.

As a CHINS/TPR Staff Attorney in the GAL/CASA program at Kids’ Voice of Indiana, you will provide legal services and advocacy to support the best interests of children involved in Child in Need of Services (CHINS) and Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) proceedings. You’ll offer legal advice to staff and volunteer Guardians ad Litem (GALs), represent the program in court, and collaborate with child-serving partners to advocate for safe, stable, and nurturing outcomes.

In this impactful legal role, you’ll manage your own caseload and court docket while serving as a trusted resource for volunteer and staff GALs. You’ll work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, including attorneys, GALs, volunteers, and court stakeholders, to elevate the voices and needs of children involved in the child welfare and family court systems. This role is a strong fit for attorneys committed to ethics, collaboration, and child-centered advocacy through a lens of equity and inclusion.

• Zealously advocate for the best interests of children in all stages of litigation, including hearings, settlement conferences, mediations, and trials.
• Provide legal guidance to volunteer and staff GALs and help shape best interest recommendations.
• Draft and file reports, motions, and pleadings that support the legal and developmental needs of the child.
• Manage your own docket and maintain accurate, timely records in Optima and related systems.
• Collaborate with Educational Liaisons, DCS, public defenders, private counsel, service providers, and other child-serving professionals.
• Prepare for and participate in depositions and discovery when necessary.
• Conduct well-being assessments and support witness preparation for TPR hearings.
• Stay up to date on Indiana family and child welfare law and complete required legal trainings.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all areas of practice.
• Conduct legal or volunteer trainings as needed.
• Participate in appeals as directed.
• Assist with grant reporting and funding compliance as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice law in Indiana and in good standing.
• Demonstrated litigation experience and/or strong interest in child welfare law.
• Excellent legal writing, research, and courtroom advocacy skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Sound judgment, initiative, and a commitment to ethical practice.
• Passion for child advocacy, trauma-informed care, and equitable outcomes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and legal systems such as Optima and Odyssey.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

• Previous experience in CHINS/TPR or child welfare law.
• Familiarity with court systems and legal processes affecting children and families in Indiana.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and the impact of adversity on child development.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams
• Ability to navigate case management systems (e.g., Optima, Odyssey)
• Comfort with remote meetings, documentation, and digital communication tools.

This hybrid position operates in both professional office and remote settings and requires regular use of standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and copiers. The role may occasionally involve evening or weekend hours. Physical requirements include frequent speaking, listening, walking, standing, reaching, and the ability to lift…