DOMESTIC VIOLENCE /FAMILY LAW STAFF ATTORNEY OPENING
Position Description
The Safe Sisters Circle is currently seeking survivor-centered and culturally competent applicants for a Domestic Violence/Family Law Staff Attorney position with our organization. The Staff Attorney will work to support The Safe Sisters Circle’s mission and provide exceptional legal services to Black women survivors. We are looking for a highly motivated, passionate and thoughtful individual who is committed to the work of advancing the legal interests of Black women survivors of intimate partner abuse and sexual assault.
Duties & Responsibilities
- This position reports to the Managing Attorney of The Safe Sisters Circle;
- Represents Black women survivors in Protection Order, Family Court, Paternity, and Child Support matters
- Engages in crime witness advocacy, including accompanying clients to criminal court hearings involving abusers where appropriate, advocating with law enforcement and prosecutors for the client’s desired outcomes, and keeping clients informed of their rights in the process and the status of their cases.
- Provides compassionate, holistic and culturally competent legal, advocacy and wrap around services to Black women survivors of intimate partner abuse;
- Conducts legal research and writing and maintains a working knowledge of the law;
- Conducts case related investigations;
- Participates in the organization’s community outreach efforts in Washington, DC’s Wards 7 and 8;
- Participates in the organization’s educational resource development;
- Other tasks as may be assigned.
Qualifications
We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:
- Juris Doctor degree and state bar admission (DC preferred, but must have ability to waive in) ;
- At least 1-2 years of experience litigating/providing direct legal services, preferably to survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse; experience can be through externships or clinical placements;
- Demonstrated commitment to women’s issues, gender based violence, and intimate partner abuse;
- Survivor-centered focus, with an interest in issues impacting Black women survivors;
- Trauma informed and culturally competent advocacy skills;
- Excellent legal research and writing skills;
- Patience, enthusiasm, creativity and a positive attitude;
- Ability to take direction and accept constructive feedback;
- Ability to work well independently as well as in team environment;
- Past experience with a survivor-focused organization is a plus.
Access, Equity, and Inclusion
TSSC is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. TSSC is committed to building a culturally diverse team and to providing professional development opportunities. We strongly encourage applicants who are people of color, LGBTQ+, disabled, and/or members of otherwise marginalized groups.
Compensation & Benefits
At TSSC we prioritize flexibility and work-life balance. While TSSC is currently operating in a hybrid model, candidates are expected to be available to travel frequently in person to Washington, D.C to attend trainings, meet with clients, prepare and participate in for hearings, participate in community outreach initiatives, and other duties deemed necessary.
The salary range for this position is $70,000-$72,000 based on experience. Compensation is commensurate with experience with the opportunity for merit-based raises. Generous benefits package includes paid health insurance, flexible paid holidays, hybrid work schedule, generous annual and sick leave allotments starting at 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave per year; and Simple I.R.A. match.
Interested?
Please send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to Deputy Director, Nel-Sylvia Guzman, Esq., at nelsylvia.guzman@safesisterscircle.org. Please ensure that your cover letter details not only your relevant work experience but also your mission alignment with our work, and how diversity, equity, and inclusion guide the work you do. Applicants seeking a long-term relationship with TSSC will get first consideration.