Legal Aid DC seeks an experienced, preferably bilingual, staff attorney for its Domestic Violence and Family Law Unit.

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, public benefits, and appellate matters. We also work on immigration matters and help individuals with the collateral consequences of their 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’s Domestic Violence & Family Law Unit is comprised of a managing attorney, supervising attorneys, staff attorneys, legal assistants, and intake specialists. The Domestic Violence & Family Law Unit represents clients in a wide range of intrafamily matters in D.C. Superior Court. Our Unit assists domestic violence survivors with Civil Protection Orders, and represents clients in custody, child support, and divorce cases.

In addition to representing clients in court, our Unit participates in community outreach, interviews prospective clients, and engages in systemic reform efforts. The Domestic Violence & Family Law Unit primarily works out of our NW office, but may also work out of Legal Aid DC’s community office in SE. Unit attorneys also staff at one or more of the District’s two Domestic Violence Intake Centers – in NW at the DC Superior Courthouse and in SE at the “Big Chair” office complex in Anacostia -- as well as the Child Support Resource Center (CSRC) and the Family Law Assistance Network (FLAN) offices at DC Superior Court.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have the following:

• Membership or eligibility for membership in the DC bar is required.
• Two to five years of experience in legal services, ideally with a background in DV/family law.
• Strong litigation, organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• The ability to work skillfully, both independently and collaboratively with teams.
• A demonstrated commitment to racial, social, and economic justice.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments.
• Bilingual skills in Spanish, Amharic, or another language prevalent in Legal Aid DC’s client community are strongly preferred but not required.

Salary and Benefits

The attorney will be paid in accordance with Legal Aid's based on years of full-time legal experience. Lateral hires will receive credit for years of relevant work experience. Starting salaries are as follows:

• Attorney with two years full-time legal work experience: $75,752
• Attorney with three years full-time legal work experience: $78,277
• Attorney with five years full-time legal work experience: $85,852
• Attorney with ten years full-time legal work experience: $93,427

Legal Aid generally provides two salary increases per year: a cost-of-living increase at the beginning of the year 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. Interested persons should submit a letter of interest and resume here. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. This position has a closing date of April 1, 2025.  No emails or phone calls, please.