Supervising Attorney, Domestic Violence Program

Volunteer Legal Advocates (formerly DC Volunteer Lawyers Project) is breaking the cycle of violence for survivors and children through pro bono legal aid. We recruit, train, and support a dedicated network of volunteer attorneys who provide free legal representation to survivors of domestic violence, immigrant survivors of gender-based violence, and vulnerable children in dangerous situations. With hands-on staff support, our volunteers handle protection orders, custody, and immigration cases, serve as court-appointed attorneys for children, and staff walk-in clinics that offer legal guidance, safety planning, and referrals to essential resources. Our innovative model expands access to justice for thousands of clients at no cost to them. Learn more at VolunteerLegalAdvocates.org.

Reporting to one of the Managing Attorneys, the Supervising Attorney is a key member of the Domestic Violence Program. The Supervising Attorney is responsible for supervising volunteer attorneys, participating in volunteer trainings, and more. This dynamic role is a unique opportunity to break the cycle of violence and expand access to justice for underserved, low-income children & families in our community.

WHY YOU WANT THIS JOB:

• You believe that a life free from violence and abuse is a basic human right.
• You have a 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 have a law degree and are admitted to practice in the State of Maryland.
• You have three (3) or more years of legal experience. Experience working with domestic violence victims and/or trauma survivors is a plus.
• You are proficient in Spanish, French, Arabic, and/or Mandarin.
• You are able to work virtually, but you understand that onsite attendance in our Montgomery County, Maryland office in Rockville may be required as is necessary to carry out your duties; and onsite participation in community clinics will be required.

WHAT THIS JOB WILL ENTAIL:

• Supervise a substantial caseload of domestic violence and family law cases assigned to volunteer attorneys and law fellows (All cases are in Montgomery County).
• Provide high quality direct representation in domestic violence and family law cases, as needed.
• Participate in volunteer attorney trainings, as needed.
• Provide brief advice at the Maryland clinic, located in Rockville, Maryland.
• Collaborate with Volunteer Legal Advocates’ client advocate to ensure holistic service delivery.
• Represent Volunteer Legal Advocates at meetings and collaborations with other organizations.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements by completing necessary documentation and outcomes.

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 Volunteer Legal Advocates’ needs. You are able to work virtually, but you understand that onsite attendance in our Maryland office, court, and community locations will be required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Active Maryland Bar membership or ability to become an active Maryland Bar member prior to first day of employment.
• Minimum of (3) three years of relevant work experience, preferably with a legal services organization that provides legal services to survivors of domestic violence.
• Experience supervising attorneys in a legal setting to ensure high quality work and a positive work environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Fluency in Spanish is desirable.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

Volunteer Legal Advocates 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 $80,000-$88,000. Employees receive 90% employer-paid health and dental insurance and vision insurance is also available. Volunteer Legal Advocates sponsors a 403(b) retirement plan with a 4% employer contribution. Volunteer Legal Advocates 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. Volunteer Legal Advocates 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. You may be eligible for a loan repayment program through the Maryland Bar or another Public Interest Loan Repayment program. Volunteer Legal Advocates is happy to partner with you in providing necessary verification, however you will need to initiate the process.

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 Volunteer Legal Advocates’ Maryland office and the Rockville clinic.
• 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:

Volunteer Legal Advocates 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@volunteerlegaladvocates.org.

Volunteer Legal Advocates 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 $80,000-$88,000. Employees receive 90% employer-paid health and dental insurance and vision insurance is also available. Volunteer Legal Advocates sponsors a 403(b) retirement plan with a 4% employer contribution. Volunteer Legal Advocates 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. Volunteer Legal Advocates 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. You may be eligible for a loan repayment program through the Maryland Bar or another Public Interest Loan Repayment program. Volunteer Legal Advocates is happy to partner with you in providing necessary verification, however you will need to initiate the process.