Victim Services Attorney

Description

Denton County Friends of the Family Legal Services Program provides direct legal services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, which includes providing legal advice and referrals in person and on virtual platforms, representing victims in court, and advocating on behalf of victims who are navigating the criminal justice system. Depending on the needs of the program, this position will provide trauma-informed services to victims through providing legal advice and referrals in person and on virtual platforms, representing clients in litigation, advocating for the rights of victims in criminal cases and parole proceedings. This is a hybrid remote position.

The attorney in this position is expected to maintain the highest ethical and professional standards as a member of the State Bar; adhere to the American Bar Association Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid; embrace and support DCFOF’s overall mission; and comply with all grant requirements, regulations, standards, policies, and confidentiality requirements.

Reports to: Executive Program Director of Legal Services

Supervises: Assigned Interns and Volunteers

Primary Functions:

• •Provide legal advice, assistance, referrals and representation, where applicable, to eligible clients in a compassionate, culturally-sensitive, trauma-informed, and victim-centered manner. This includes representing clients in court hearings and administrative proceedings
• •Conduct intake interviews, confirm eligibility for services, check for conflicts of interest, and take appropriate action to address the client’s legal problem
• •Perform research and analysis, communicate with third parties, and draft and file legal documents.
• •Cultivate working relationships, both internally and with network partners and other social services agencies in the community and statewide, to advance program and organizational goals
• •Lead or assist with promoting education efforts statewide and in local programs, including developing, presenting, or participating in public speeches trainings aimed at law enforcement, attorneys in private practice, court personnel, child welfare professionals and volunteers
• •Travel to locations within and outside of Denton County to address client issues, further education efforts, or meet on partner agency matters
• •Provide information to clients and make referrals where appropriate
• •Supervises and/or works with legal paraprofessionals as assigned
• •Complies with all case reporting requirements, including timekeeping, case activities, legislative and rulemaking, private attorney involvement, community education presentations, etc.
• •Keeps current on the state of the law and procedures within areas of law ordinarily handled by the Agency’s Legal Department.
• •Participates in other activities related to poverty law, including publication, permissible legislative and rulemaking activities, media relations in accordance with DCFOF policy and applicable laws and regulations
• •Commensurate with experience, consults, guides and answers questions of other staff members
• •Fulfills all requirements necessary to remain in good standing with the State Bar and the Supreme Court of Texas, including but not limited to, compliance with the minimum requirements for Continuing Legal Education
• •Attends and/or coordinates clinics or other events as requested by the Director of Legal Services
• •Preserve and enhance the Agency’s image in the community through all interactions
• •At every opportunity, inform community members of services available to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking through the Agency
• •Participate in DCFOF staff and education meetings as requested

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by staff assigned to this position. This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Denton County Friends of the Family, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

This position is grant-funded and will continue only if sufficient grant or external funds are available.

Requirements

Prerequisites:

• •Licensed to practice in the State of Texas
• •Commitment to working with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault

Preferences:

• •Experience in the practice of family law and family violence, stalking, and sexual assault protective orders
• •Bilingual (Spanish) Oral and Written preferred

Physical Requirements:

• •Ability to lift 25 lbs.
• •Ability to easily climb stairs
• •Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time