Staff Attorney-Morristown

Legal Services of Northwest Jersey is a provider of

free comprehensive civil legal assistance for people residing in northwestern

NJ who are experiencing poverty or in crisis. 

This is an opportunity to work in a community

of highly experienced and dedicated legal services attorneys and staff

committed to access and equal justice for all.   LSNWJ was formed in

2002 from the merger of four legal services organizations in Hunterdon, Morris,

Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties, and provides services in family, housing,

consumer, public entitlements, health care access, and expungements.  

LSNWJ has an opening for a staff attorney. The interested candidate should be prepared to practice in the areas offered by LSNWJ.

Duties & Responsibilities:

·       Provides civil legal service to clients and client

groups including advice, negotiation, litigation, administrative advocacy and

appellate work, pursuant to program priorities and polices.

·       Interviews clients and ascertain substantive elements

of the client’s problem. Handles communications with clients during the course

of representation.

·       Conducts factual investigations; researches law;

prepares legal pleadings and other documents; conducts negotiations.

·       Provides representation to clients at court and administrative hearings.

·      Reviews and supervises the work product

of support staff members, law graduates, and legal interns relating to all

clients being advised or represented by him/her.

·      Develops specialized knowledge in substantive areas of poverty law;

acts as a resource for other staff.

·      Provides training to other legal advocates; prepares materials relating

to these presentations.

·      Participates in committees, task forces, and working groups.

·      Speaks to community groups, schools and others about legal rights and LSNWJ services; prepares materials relating to these presentations.

·      Works with members of the private bar as may be necessary or desirable

in connection with LSNWJ’s Volunteer Lawyer Program.

·      Maintains time records on a timely basis.

·       Prepares and submits administrative (e.g., travel) reports as required.

·       Performs such other duties as may reasonably be requested.

Competencies:

·      Proficiency with a second language strongly preferred.

·      Good capabilities with technology, including word processing, case database, calendaring and

scheduling software, e-mail, Internet and legal software.

·      Ability to maintain a good working relationship with all members of the office staff and

work in a team environment.

·       Good analytical, oral communication and writing skills.

·      Working knowledge of and strict adherence to regulations, ethics, policies and procedures that apply to legal services programs.

·      Thorough knowledge and understanding of and strict adherence to the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Requirements: 

·      J.D. from accredited law school.

·      Licensed attorney of the State of New Jersey or licensed in another state and committed to seeking NJ Bar admission.

·      Demonstrated commitment to public interest law.

Professional Expectations:

·      Continued commitment to public interest.

·      Continued professional growth.