Latinx people and Native Americans experienced disproportionately higher rates of hospitalization and death as a result of COVID.  As a result, these populations experienced and continue to experience civil legal problems that arose from the resulting loss of income and accumulated debt including mortgage, rent and medical debt.  To assist these impacted communities, NJP has created a “COVID Consequences Legal Project” to be staffed by two outreach workers and two attorneys. One outreach worker and one staff attorney will be located in and focus on the Central portion of the state; the other outreach worker and staff attorney will be located in and focus on the North Central portion of the state.  All staff will focus on engaging with and responding to the civil legal needs of Latinx and Native Americans who have been affected by hospitalizations and deaths arising out of the COVID pandemic. 

NJP seeks a Staff Attorney to provide legal advice and representation to Latinx and Native American clients on civil legal matters directly or indirectly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Staff Attorney will also participate in community engagement activities to identify client needs, share information about how to access civil legal aid and share information on substantive legal topics most affecting people who were affected by hospitalizations and deaths arising out of COVID-19. 

This is a regular, full-time position covered by NJP’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.   

NJP requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19.  Providing proof of COVID-19 vaccine is a condition of employment.  Exemptions based on medical  and sincerely held religious beliefs may be requested per NJP’s EEO employer policy. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Work in close coordination with the other COVID Consequences attorney, the two COVID Consequences outreach workers, the staff of NJP’s Central and North Central Washington field offices to carry out to a range of duties including but not limited to: 

• engage with Latinx individuals, Native American individuals, Latinx communities, Native American communities, and those who provide services to Latinx and Native American people, including but not limited to healthcare providers, hospice workers, funeral service providers, grief support services, mental health counselors, debt counselors, tribal agencies and schools; 
• Identify Latinx and Native American individuals who have civil legal problems resulting from hospitalizations or deaths caused in whole or in part by COVID-19; 
• Share information about the availability of NJP’s services to those so affected; 
• Share substantive information about the most common civil legal problems arising out of hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID-19; 
• Provide advice, brief services and full representation as appropriate to those individuals seeking/needing legal assistance; 
• Identify systemic issues affecting Latinx and Native American communities as a result of hospitalizations and deaths caused in whole or in part by the COVID-19 pandemic, develop legal strategies to address those systemic issues, and represent clients and client groups in pursuit of legal solutions to those systemic problems. 
• Utilize NJP’s case management and timekeeping systems and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements and reporting needs. 

NJP has adopted the Washington Race Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI) and is organizationally committed to fight racism and to incorporate equity and inclusion in our advocacy work and our internal systems and work environment.  NJP expects all staff to uphold the REJI commitments and approach their role with a desire to learn and grow in this area.     

Required unless otherwise indicated: 

• Experience practicing poverty law, especially in the areas of consumer, landlord-tenant, foreclosure, public benefits and Indian or tribal law; 
• Experience litigating in state, federal court and/or tribal courts, and/or in administrative proceedings.  
• Culturally competent and have demonstrated experience working with low-income people, especially Latinx and/or Native American individuals and communities.    
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing justice. 
• Demonstrated ability to establish trust and connections with low-income client communities. 
• Spanish language proficiency a plus. 
• Willing and able to be physically present in and travel within the identified geographic service area. 
• A valid U.S. driver’s license or the ability to obtain one, and access to and the ability to drive a car. 
• Washington State Bar Association membership in good standing, the ability to sit for the July, 2021 Washington Bar Examination or the ability to acquire membership through admission by motion.   

Compensation:  Starting salary is based upon years of experience, with an annual salary range of $64,751 to $121,022.   We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes 100% paid employee health premiums and significant premium shares for family health premiums, as well as generous time off. 

Hours of work: NJP’s typical client office hours are 9:00 – 5:00, Monday through Friday. Attorney positions are exempt and those in the position are expected to work the hours needed to meet their professional responsibilities. 

To Apply:  You will be asked to submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample. Cover letter should include description of any experience, personal or professional, with low income or other marginalized communities.  Northwest Justice Project is especially interested in qualified candidates whose professional, personal and/or service experience allow them to contribute to and support the legal aid community’s commitment to race equity. 

Application Deadline: Open until filled.  

NJP is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and fosters an environment free of barriers and discriminatory practices. NJP actively promotes mutual respect, acceptance, teamwork and productivity. NJP is committed to maintaining an organization whose staff, Board and clients are diverse in background, experience, race, color, national origin, gender, age, religious preference, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sensory, mental or physical abilities, veteran status, and other qualities that strengthen the program while reinforcing its commitment to basic fairness. People of color, people who identify as transgender, lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals needing a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process or for more information about the project should contact the Human Resources Department by calling (206) 464-1519.