We believe that a life free of violence and abuse is a basic human right. Our mission is:
- To ADVOCATE for domestic violence victims, at-risk children, and other vulnerable individuals through comprehensive pro bono legal services
- To EMPOWER victims with knowledge, resources, and on-going support; and
- To BROADEN OUR IMPACT by engaging, training, and supporting a strong and diverse network of volunteer lawyers and community volunteers.
Since 2008, DC Volunteer Lawyers Project (DCVLP) has provided free legal services to thousands of survivors of domestic violence, vulnerable children, and immigrant survivors of gender-based violence. To broaden our reach, we recruit, train, and support hundreds of dedicated volunteer attorneys each year. In our Domestic Violence Program, we represent survivors of domestic violence, including victims of dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and gender-based violence. We are committed to providing trauma-informed legal services that address the comprehensive needs of our clients. Our attorneys, volunteers, and advocates help clients achieve long-term safety and stability by connecting survivors and at-risk children to our community partners for assistance during and beyond the closing of their case. More information is available at https://www.dcvlp.org/.
WHY YOU WANT THIS JOB:
- You believe that a life free from violence and abuse is a basic human right.
- You are looking for a job that matters.
- You have demonstrated commitment to working with vulnerable populations and you want to use your law degree to provide marginalized individuals with access to high quality legal services.
- You are looking for a job where you can improve access to justice for Spanish-speaking or limited English proficiency survivors who may be unfamiliar with the justice system in the United States.
WHAT THIS JOB WILL ENTAIL:
- Provide high-quality representation in domestic violence and family law cases (all in DC Superior Court) to survivors, with a focus on survivors who speak Spanish or have limited English proficiency. Note: Primary service delivery both in written and oral communications will be in Spanish
- Help survivors navigate the unique differences between the United States court systems and justice systems in the survivor’s home country.
- Provide brief advice at walk-in or phone-based legal clinics to survivors of domestic violence with a focus on Spanish-speaking survivors and those with limited English proficiency.
- Collaborate with DCVLP’s client advocates to ensure holistic and culturally specific service delivery.
- Develop guides and trainings for other attorneys and advocates geared towards improving services offered to Spanish speaking and limited English proficiency survivors of domestic violence.
- Represent DCVLP at meetings and collaborations with other organizations with a focus on increasing access to justice for survivors whose first language is not English.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Other relevant duties as assigned. This description is not an attempt to list all essential functions of this position as it is recognized that job duties may change over time, based on DCVLP’s needs. You are able to work virtually, but you understand that onsite attendance in our D.C. office, court, and community locations will be required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- A J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
- Active DC Bar membership or eligible to waive into the D.C. Bar and committed to submitting an application if hired.
- Minimum of 1 to 3 years of legal experience. Experience working with domestic violence victims and/or trauma survivors while providing these services in Spanish, especially in a legal services or law school clinic setting, is strongly preferred.
- Professional Working Proficiency in Spanish and above is required.
- Superlative interpersonal skills and ability to develop good working relationships with clients, staff, and partner organizations.
- Excellent organizational skills, ability to manage multiple priorities at once, and ability to work independently.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
SALARY & BENEFITS:
DCVLP has a positive and supportive work environment with an intentional focus on recruiting, nurturing, and retaining a talented and diverse staff. We prioritize a healthy work-life balance. The salary range for this position is $72,000. Employees receive 90% employer-paid health and dental insurance and vision insurance is also available. DCVLP sponsors a 403(b) retirement plan with a 4% employer contribution. DCVLP also provides a tax-free stipend of $75 each month for personal cell phone and Wi-Fi expenses. Employees receive generous paid time off every year, including three weeks of vacation, three weeks of wellness leave, and 13 holidays. We offer a generous family leave policy for parents following the birth or adoption of a child or placement of a foster child. DCVLP employees are also eligible to participate in the federal government’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. For more information, see https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service. And DCVLP attorneys are eligible to participate in the DC Bar Foundation’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program. For more information, see www.dcbarfoundation.org/lrap.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB:
In addition to the functional skills in this job posting, the following physical abilities are representative of physical demands and environment essential to this position:
- Regular attendance at DCVLP’s office, community clinics, DC Superior Court hearings, and client home and school visits are required.
- Ability to travel to court venues and community locations.
- The work environment has moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phone, printers, and light traffic).
TO APPLY:
DCVLP has a non-discrimination policy and encourages all interested and qualified applicants to apply regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or other status protected by applicable law. Interested applicants should send a letter of intent and a resume to Sara Tennen at jobs@dcvlp.org.
