Staff Attorney, Domestic Violence/Family Law Program

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

Ayuda is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA. 

WHY YOU WANT THIS JOB?

Because, just like everyone at Ayuda, you believe:

• In seeing communities where all immigrants succeed and thrive in the United States.
• In the overall success of our organization and all our programs.
• That families should be healthy and safe from harm.
• That all people should have access to professional, honest, and ethical services, regardless of ability to pay or status in this country.
• That diversity and equality make this country better.

WHAT WILL THIS JOB ENTAIL?

• Provide legal representation and advice in civil protection orders and family law cases (child custody, child support and divorce) in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia; 
• Advocate on behalf of clients in related criminal matters;
• Stay current on relevant laws and policies by attending trainings and conferences and reviewing changes to laws, policies and court rules and procedures; 
• Represent Ayuda at local coalition meetings and participate in local and national advocacy initiatives;
• Train area service providers and government agencies, including law enforcement;
• Conduct outreach presentations to potential clients and partner agencies;
• Collaborate with Ayuda’s Social Services and Immigration staff to ensure the provision of holistic services; 
• Assist with preparation of grant applications and reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN DO THIS JOB?

Eligibility: 

• Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain proper work authorization throughout employment. 
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position presented in a general office environment. 
• Must be an attorney in good standing with the District of Columbia bar or immediately eligible for admission to the District of Columbia bar.

Additional Education/Experience/Skills:

• Fluency in Spanish or another language commonly spoken among immigrants in DC strongly preferred. Languages commonly spoken by our clients in DC include, but are not limited to, Urdu, Amharic, Arabic, and French.
• Strong legal, organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
• Legal experience in family law or domestic violence protective order law a plus
• Experience working with low-income immigrants or survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault or other trauma a plus
• Demonstrated commitment to social, racial and economic justice.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The salary is commensurate with experience and consistent with Ayuda’s attorney salary scale. Attorneys with one full year of relevant experience practicing family law, for example, would start at $61,000, whereas an attorney with two years of such relevant experience would start at $66,000. Ayuda’s compensation package includes robust benefits such as medical and dental insurance, long-term disability insurance, life and AD&D insurance as well as an employer-provided retirement match. All federal holidays are observed, and Ayuda offers paid leave for the week of Christmas through New Year’s Day in addition to generous paid sick, personal, and annual leave. This position is exempt for overtime purposes. This position is eligible for part-time telework consistent with Ayuda’s telework policies.

TO APPLY:

Please apply here: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Apply/934221/Ayuda/Staff-Attorney-Domestic-ViolenceFamily-Law-Program-DC with resume and cover letter. Writing samples may be requested. Please note that cover letters are required. 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Apply early for full consideration. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT:

Ayuda is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. 

We believe that a diversity of experiences, opinions, and backgrounds is integral to achieving our mission and vision. We celebrate diversity and seek to leverage the passion, energy, and ideas of a culturally diverse team. Individuals with lived experiences similar to those of the clients whom we serve are particularly encouraged to apply, as are others from underrepresented groups in the legal profession.