Since 1932, Legal Aid has provided civil legal assistance to clients in individual cases and engaged in systemic reform. Currently, we provide individual representation in consumer law, domestic violence/family law, housing, and public benefits matters. We also work on immigration matters and help people with the collateral consequences of involvement with the criminal justice system. From the experiences of our clients, we identify opportunities for law reform, public policy advocacy, and systemic impact and appellate litigation.
Legal Aid believes that meaningful pursuit of our anti-poverty mission requires an unwavering commitment to racial justice and equity. We aspire both to reflect the rich racial diversity of the communities we serve and to value, respect, and empower our staff and clients to be effective agents of change. For more information about Legal Aid please visit our website, www.LegalAidDC.org.
Legal Aid DC is seeking to hire a class of entry-level attorneys to start working as direct services attorneys in September 2025. Those hired will receive an assignment in one of the following units before their start date: consumer law, domestic violence/family law, housing, public benefits, immigration, and reentry justice. Applicants will be able to rank their preferences for placement in one of those units, and these preferences will be balanced with the needs of Legal Aid and our client community in determining placement.
This opportunity is a good fit for law school graduates and new attorneys who are committed to public interest, direct legal services work, and are eager to work with clients while receiving mentorship and support from experienced professionals.
Those hired as part of the 2025 Staff Attorney Class will participate in a structured training program to prepare them to practice law and serve clients at Legal Aid DC.
We anticipate a start date of September 2025 for the new staff attorneys, and unit placements will be made approximately one month prior to the start date.
Responsibilities
Staff Attorneys will:
- Handle a caseload representing and advising clients in legal matters in one of our practice areas: Public Benefits, Housing, Domestic Violence & Family, Consumer, Immigration, or Reentry Justice.
- Engage in outreach activities to identify potential clients and provide “know your rights” trainings.
- Conduct initial meetings and interviews with applicants for Legal Aid’s services in all of our practice areas via phone and at our offices in Northwest DC and Anacostia, as well as at courthouse projects and various community-based locations.
- Contribute to our Systemic Advocacy & Law Reform program efforts by engaging in policy advocacy, appellate advocacy, impact litigation, or community lawyering.
Qualifications
- Law students with graduation dates expected in the summer of 2025 or recent graduates who anticipate completing a fellowship or judicial clerkship in the summer of 2025.
- Demonstrated interest in public interest law and a desire to work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
- Membership in the DC Bar, taking the July 2025 DC Bar Exam, or eligibility to waive into the DC Bar on start date is required.
- The ability to speak Spanish, Amharic, or another language prevalent in our client community is a plus but not required.
Salary and Benefits
Entry-level attorneys will be paid in accordance with Legal Aid's salary scale based on years of relevant full-time legal experience. Lateral hires will receive credit for years of relevant legal work experience. Starting salaries are as follows:
- Entry-level attorney just passing the bar: $71,054
- Attorney with 1 year full-time legal work experience: $73,591
- Attorney with 2 years full-time legal work experience: $75,752
Legal Aid generally provides two salary increases per year, depending on funding availability: a cost-of-living increase at the beginning of the year (2.5% in 2026) and a step increase in July.
Legal Aid offers a generous benefits package, including eligibility for fully paid health insurance, annual retirement match, 13 paid holidays, 20 days of annual leave per year and 15 days of sick leave per year.
Click here for full salary scale and additional benefits information.
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320. New hires start with a 90-day probationary period before they are considered full-time, regular employees.
To Apply
Legal Aid values an inclusive, diverse workplace and encourages applications from interested persons from diverse backgrounds of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. We strongly encourage applications from people with personal experience with the criminal justice system and/or with lived experiences in the communities we serve.
Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2025. Please provide resume, cover letter, writing sample, and references here. The cover letter should include a statement regarding whether the applicant is a current member of the DC Bar, and if not, how the applicant plans to become a member of the DC Bar. Please note that a practical exercise may be required as part of the interview process. Questions can be directed to recruitment@legalaiddc.org.
