Victim Advocate Attorney
HUNTINGTON, WV
(Exempt Employee)
Purpose of Job
To provide high quality legal advice, representation, professional advocacy, and other appropriate legal services for low-income clients. As a Victim Advocate Attorney in this Legal Aid of West Virginia office, you will primarily represent victims of domestic violence, in matters related to achieving safety and meeting other basic needs. You will have direct responsibility for interacting with clients, and representing them in court, with support from and collaboration with other attorneys and community partners.
Scope of Responsibility
Work performed in the office setting, in the courts, in administrative law proceedings, and in the community.
Essential Job Functions
- Provide legal representation consistent with professional and LAWV organizational standards for the delivery of civil legal services to the poor.
- Prepare legal documents, advise clients, gather evidence necessary to formulate defenses or to initiate legal action. Conduct research, interview clients, and witnesses, investigate, and handle other details in preparation for trial. Prepare legal briefs, develop strategy, prepare arguments, and prepare testimony in connection with cases. Represent clients in court and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies. Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations.
- Maintain accurate and complete files or records.
- New attorneys shall receive mentorship, training and case reviews over the course of their first year.
- Attend and participate in substantive task forces focused on issues impacting our clients, like DHHR Benefits, Family Law, and Housing.
- Occasional night and weekend work hours; some local and out-of-town travel. Attorneys must be able to get to Court or Administrative hearings.
- Help LAWV engage the legal community and members of the Bar to provide free legal help to Legal Aid clients through pro bono work.
Job Requirements
- Must have demonstrable commitment to understanding and addressing issues of low-income constituents.
- Must have J.D. and be admitted to practice in West Virginia and in good standing or must be eligible for admission to the West Virginia Bar under West Virginia Supreme Court Rule 9 if admitted to practice in another state or must be eligible to take the next regularly scheduled West Virginia Bar Exam.
- Must have skills to use office technologies, including learning LAWV case management software.
- Must be able to balance administrative and client advocacy responsibilities.
Other Duties
- Attorneys will work with their supervisor to develop goals within program priorities and funding; and will work with their supervisor to identify individual training needs.
- Attorneys will timely prepare reports and complete forms and records necessary for client services or administrative tasks related to their job.
Salary and Benefits
The Attorney position is a salaried position with an annual starting salary range of $52,000 – $61,400. LAWV offers a generous benefits package, a 37.5-hour workweek, paid vacation leave and sick leave and health plan, as well as dental, vision and life benefits. Staff also have the option to participate in a 403(b)-retirement plan and dependent and health flex savings accounts (FSA). LAWV is an eligible nonprofit employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
Nestled along the scenic Ohio River, Huntington was first settled as a main hub for the railroad industry. Now, Huntington, or H-town as the locals call it, has been reimagined and revitalized into a thriving metropolitan, with a side of southern hospitality, known for its unique retail shops, one-of-a-kind restaurants, and bustling downtown. Just down the road and off of I-64, Barboursville is known as the shopping destination in the Huntington area. With Huntington Mall and a number of restaurants and other attractions, Barboursville is the perfect destination for retail therapy and a bite to eat with your friends. In contrast to the new development, Barboursville also has a historic downtown filled with quaint shops and cozy restaurants. A few miles down the road from Barboursville, is the town of Milton. Home of the ever-popular Blenko Glass Company, where artisans create hand blown glass pieces that are favorites in retail shops and prized by collectors throughout the nation. Milton is also home to the West Virginia Pumpkin Festival, the Cabell County Fair, seasonal corn maze, giant flea market, and arts and crafts stores. All are easily accessible from U.S. Route 60 and Interstate 64. With amazing restaurants and some of the best shopping in the state, the Huntington area has something for everyone.
If you are passionate about serving others and want to do rewarding work, please send your cover letter and resume to jobs@lawv.net. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
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