Family Law Staff Attorney – Parent Defense and Family Policing System Change

ABOUT MOTHER’S OUTREACH NETWORK

Mother’s Outreach Network, Inc., (MON) based in Washington DC, is a non-profit, tax-exempt, racial justice and antipoverty advocacy organization that pursues the inclusion and empowerment of Black mothers in the struggle for family preservation by transforming government income and child welfare laws, policies, and practices from punitive to empowering. MON uses movement-lawyering strategies that will build parents’ power to transform systems and that will aid in harm reduction against impacted constituents. MON does so through three primary programs:

• The legal program, which provides representation, advice, and referrals for mothers who are facing adverse administrative decisions, with a focus on matters before the DC Child and Family Services Agency, that negatively impact family preservation and economic security;
• The advocacy program, which seeks to transform income and child welfare/family regulation system policy at the local and federal level; and
• The community engagement program, which includes outreach events, know-your-rights workshops in law and civic activism, as well as community-driven research and mutual-aid.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Staff Attorney will provide direct legal representation to parents in family law matters in the District of Columbia, with an emphasis on cases involving the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA), custody, and related administrative and court proceedings.

This position offers an exciting opportunity for a justice-driven attorney to represent parents navigating the family regulation system, while supporting broader policy and systemic advocacy to end family separation and expand parent defense capacity.

Working closely with senior attorneys, the Staff Attorney will handle 90% direct client representation, ensuring high-quality, trauma-informed advocacy in family court and administrative forums. The remaining time will focus on supporting legislative advocacy, community engagement, and policy research.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Parent Representation (90%)

• Provide high-quality legal representation to parents in D.C. Superior Court family law matters, including custody, visitation, neglect, abuse, and termination of parental rights cases.
• Represent parents in administrative hearings and investigations involving CFSA and related child welfare bodies.
• Conduct client intake, case investigation, legal research, and drafting of motions, pleadings, and memoranda.
• Advocate for parents’ rights to family integrity, reunification, and fair process throughout child welfare proceedings.
• Collaborate with social workers, service providers, and community partners to support family preservation.
• Maintain detailed case records and documentation consistent with organizational standards.

Policy and Advocacy Support (10%)

• Support senior attorneys in legislative and administrative advocacy to strengthen parent defense and reform family policing systems in D.C.
• Assist with drafting and analysis of legislation, policy reports, and educational materials.
• Participate in coalition meetings, community outreach, and public education efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the D.C. Bar (or eligibility for prompt admission under D.C. Court of Appeals Rule 49).
• 1–3 years of legal experience, ideally including direct representation of clients in family law or child welfare cases.
• Commitment to racial and economic justice, family preservation, and client-centered advocacy.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage a significant caseload and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach to client representation.

Preferred:

• Experience or strong interest in representing parents in child welfare, custody, or family court matters.
• Familiarity with CFSA and D.C. family court procedures.
• Experience working with or alongside community-based and parent-led organizations.
• Fluency in a language other than English and/or lived experience with family policing systems.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time salaried position, and the salary range is $80k to $85k per year, commensurate with experience. A health, dental and vision benefits package is provided: health insurance is covered by 100% for the employee and available to dependents. All federal holidays and all holidays observed by the District of Columbia are observed, as well as the week between Christmas and New Year. Qualified attorneys may be eligible for up to $12,000 per year of loan repayment assistance.

TO APPLY

If you are interested, please email a resume, a list of three professional references, a writing sample, and a cover letter that describes why you are interested in this position and how your work history and goals relate to the position, to Melody Webb at careers@mothersoutreachnetwork.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position is open until filled.

Mother’s Outreach Network is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and insist on equity and inclusion in our work environment and in the world. If you have the passion for our mission and have the skill sets to help us fulfill this mission, we welcome you as you are.

Visit https://www.mothersoutreachnetwork.org for more information about the organization.

A health, dental and vision benefits package is provided: health insurance is covered by 100% for the employee and available to dependents. All federal holidays and all holidays observed by the District of Columbia are observed, as well as the week between Christmas and New Year. Qualified attorneys may be eligible for up to $12,000 per year of loan repayment assistance.