Managing Attorney, Child Advocacy Program

We believe that a life free of violence and abuse is a basic human right. Our mission is:

• To ADVOCATE for domestic violence victims, at-risk children, and other vulnerable individuals through comprehensive pro bono legal services;
• To EMPOWER victims with knowledge, resources, and on-going support; and
• To BROADEN OUR IMPACT by engaging, training, and supporting a strong and diverse network of volunteer lawyers and community volunteers.

Since 2008, DC Volunteer Lawyers Project (DCVLP) has provided free legal services to thousands of survivors of domestic violence, vulnerable children, and immigrant survivors of gender-based violence. To broaden our reach, we recruit, train, and support hundreds of dedicated volunteer attorneys each year. We are committed to providing trauma-informed legal services that address the comprehensive needs of our clients. In our Child Advocacy Program, attorneys serve as court-appointed Guardian ad litem representing the best interests of these children and ensuring that the child has a voice in court. Our attorneys, volunteers, and advocates help clients achieve long-term safety and stability by connecting survivors and at-risk children to our community partners for assistance during and beyond the closing of their case. 

In 2022, over 450 volunteer lawyers contributed approximately 48,000 pro bono hours, worth $18 million in free legal services. More information is available at https://www.dcvlp.org/.

WHY YOU WANT THIS JOB:

• You believe that a life free from violence and abuse is a basic human right.
• You are looking for a job that matters.
• You have demonstrated commitment to working with vulnerable populations, specifically children and families, and you want to use your law degree to provide marginalized individuals with access to high quality legal services. 
• You have progressive experience including experience supervising staff or junior level attorneys. 
• You have a law degree and are admitted to practice in the District of Columbia.
• You have seven (7) or more years of legal experience. Experience working with children, domestic violence victims and/or trauma survivors is a plus.
• You are able to work virtually, but you understand that onsite attendance in our D.C. office is required as is necessary to carry out your duties; and onsite participation in community clinics may be required.

TASKS AND DUTIES:

• Lead DCVLP’s Child Advocacy Practice, which serves hundreds of clients annually and includes the supervision of Supervising Attorneys (currently 3), Staff Attorneys (currently 2), and one Client Advocate/Program Coordinator.
• Supervise a caseload of Guardian ad litem cases assigned to volunteer attorneys. (All cases in DC Superior Court.)
• Provide high quality direct representation in Guardian ad litem cases, as needed.
• In conjunction with Child Advocacy Team, lead volunteer attorney trainings in the Child Advocacy Program.
• Facilitate and nurture collaborations with other organizations, as related to DCVLP’s Child Advocacy Practice.
• Represent DCVLP at meetings in the community with court personnel & judges, funders, partner organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements by completing necessary documentation and outcomes.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

Other relevant duties as assigned. This description is not an attempt to list all essential functions of this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Active DC Bar membership or ability to become an active DC Bar member prior to first day of employment.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience, preferably in child advocacy/legal services.
• Superlative interpersonal skills and ability to develop good working relationships with volunteers, clients, staff, and partner organizations. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to learn quickly, absorb knowledge, and think critically and proactively to spot legal issues. 

SALARY & BENEFITS:

DCVLP 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 $90,000-$100,000. Employees receive 90% employer-paid health and dental insurance and vision insurance is also available. DCVLP sponsors a 403(b) retirement plan with a 4% employer contribution. DCVLP 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. DCVLP 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. And DCVLP attorneys are eligible to participate in the DC Bar Foundation’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program. For more information, see www.dcbarfoundation.org/lrap.

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 DCVLP’s office, community clinics, DC Superior Court hearings, and client home and school visits are required.
• 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 APPY:

DCVLP 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@dcvlp.org.

DCVLP 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 $90,000-$100,000. Employees receive 90% employer-paid health and dental insurance and vision insurance is also available. DCVLP sponsors a 403(b) retirement plan with a 4% employer contribution. DCVLP 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. DCVLP 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. And DCVLP attorneys are eligible to participate in the DC Bar Foundation’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program. For more information, see www.dcbarfoundation.org/lrap.