Supervising Attorney, Domestic Violence 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. 

DC Volunteer Lawyers Project (DCVLP) was established in 2008 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. We engage, train and support hundreds of dedicated volunteer attorneys each year to handle emergency protection order, custody, child/spousal support, divorce, and immigration cases on behalf of victims, and to serve as court-appointed advocates for vulnerable children living with abuse, neglect, and other dangerous circumstances. We operate free call-in and walk-in clinics throughout the District of Columbia so victims and other D.C. residents can access free legal services on a wide variety of legal issues including family law, immigration, related criminal cases against abusers, and enforcing victim legal rights in housing, employment, and other financial matters; and non-legal support services including social services referrals, crisis support, and safety planning. More information 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 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 District of Columbia.
• You have five (5) 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, Amharic, and/or Mandarin. 
• You are able to work virtually, but you understand that onsite attendance in our D.C. office 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 in DC Superior Court.)
• 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 DCVLP clinics, located throughout the community and at DC Superior Court. 
• Collaborate with DCVLP’s client advocates to ensure holistic service delivery. 
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements by completing necessary documentation and outcomes.
• Represent DCVLP at meetings and collaborations with other organizations. 

Other Duties and Responsibilities 

Other relevant duties as assigned. NOTE: 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 DCVLP’s needs.

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 five (5) 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 also is desirable.
• Superlative interpersonal skills and ability to develop good working relationships with volunteers, clients, staff, partner organizations, and members of local legal services and domestic violence coalitions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $70,000-$73,000. DCVLP provides employees with 90% coverage of our major medical and dental policies and sponsors a 403(b) retirement plan. Vision coverage is also available. New employees accrue three weeks of vacation over 12 months and one week of sick time. In addition to all federal holidays, two personal days per year are also available as floating holidays. We offer a generous family leave policy for parents following the birth or adoption of a child. DCVLP has a positive work environment, with a focus on collaboration, empowerment, and service toward our clients and volunteers.

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, predictable attendance onsite is required.
• Ability to travel to local clinics and court venues as necessary.
• The work environment has moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phone, printers, and light traffic).

To Apply

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.