Trust Women Winter/Spring 2015 Legislative Internships, Wichita, KS

Winter/Spring 2015 Legislative Internships

Posted on: February 9, 2015
Posted by: Trust Women

Trust Women is a dynamic, emerging non-profit that focuses on facilitating reproductive freedom in the Midwest and the South. Founded by Julie Burkhart in memory of her dear friend and mentor, the late Dr. George Tiller, Trust Women seeks to honor his life's work by bringing direct services to the middle of the country, as well as addressing issues of access with a reproductive justice perspective through opening reproductive health clinics, educational and community outreach, as well as political advocacy.

We are seeking motivated, take-charge interns who aren't afraid to take the reins and make their own path. To become a Trust Women intern, applicants must be hard-working and dedicated, with a passion for reproductive justice and openness to learning. In turn, interns will be provided with the opportunity to make a lasting impact on an organization that is making historical gains in an area of the country in need of innovative and adventurous organizing. (We also provide class credit!)

Virtual & Traditional Internships

Because we focus on advocacy in the middle of the country, we understand, more than anyone, the importance of remote organizing, which is why we offer a virtual internship option. Virtual interns are required to work a minimum of 10 hours a week in addition to participating in weekly intern Google Hangouts. During their 10 hours, interns must make themselves available to their supervisor and do regular check-ins. We try to structure our virtual internships in such a way that our interns are able to have a fulfilling and educational experience, with the flexibility of working from miles away.

Trust Women also offers traditional in-house internships for interns local to the Wichita, Kansas metro area, as well as interns from outside the area who are able to relocate for the summer. We will also offer home stay arrangements for interns who relocate from outside the metro area. Local interns must work a minimum of 10 hours. Interns with home stay arrangements will be expected to work a minimum of 20 hours.

Duties & Requirements 

 Attend important votes and hearings as schedule permits

 Update list of legislators and position on choice

 Track choice related legislation on the federal and state level

 Assist Trust Women lobbyist as necessary

 Assist Communications Team with legislative updates for weekly blogs/emails

 Maintain legislative scorecard through tracking of legislation

 Participate in coalition calls and meetings in Oklahoma or Kansas as needed

Requirements

 Knowledge of Oklahoma or Kansas state government, particularly the legislative process

 Ability to read and summarize bills

 Be able to attend important votes and hearings as much as possible

 Preference will be given to candidates with political science or legal education or training

 Strong written and spoken communication skills

 Self-motivated and directed

 Able to work on multiple projects at a time

 Ability to meet deadlines and new challenges as they arise

 Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite products

 Ability to navigate state and federal legislative websites

 Kansas legislative intern will need to live in Kansas, preferably within travel distance of Topeka.

 Oklahoma legislative intern will need to live in Oklahoma, preferably within travel distance of Oklahoma City.

 Virtual legislative intern can work from anywhere.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send the following items to lbourke@itrustwomen.org:

 Cover letter

 Resume

 Three references

Legal Advocate, Huntingdon House, Huntingdon, PA

Legal Advocate

Posted on: February 3, 2015
Posted by: Huntingdon House

Huntingdon House a program for survivors of domestic violence is hiring for the full-time position of Legal Advocate. Located in rural Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, Huntingdon House provides advocacy services for individuals and families who are living with domestic violence. Services include, 24 hour hotline, legal advocacy, individual and group counseling, emergency shelter, transitional housing, civil legal representation and prevention education services. All services are provided within a client centered trauma informed framework.

The legal advocate provides individual advocacy and counseling to victims of domestic violence within the context of a client centered trauma informed workplace. Duties include assisting clients with the preparation and filing of protection from abuse petitions, accompanying survivors to court hearings, legal appointments and other procedures in connection with civil legal proceedings, support counseling and safety planning. The legal advocate also services as the liaison to the Michael Ayers Law Project (providing civil legal representation to survivors) to provide a system of holistic representation to survivors. The advocate also acts as the liaison with law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, community legal services and the court system through facilitation of the Huntingdon County Domestic Violence Task force and referrals to the Michael Ayers Law Project.

Qualifications

Experience working with individuals experiencing crisis, working across community systems and office administrative duties. Knowledge of unique issues facing rural victims of domestic violence is preferred. Excellent writing, communication skills, professional telephone skills and a willingness to develop and learn new skills. Proficiency with Microsoft office and database management experience preferred. College degree preferred.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to:

- the provision of Domestic Violence services with a feminist perspective;

- the struggle against ageism, classism, racism, ableism, homophobia and heterosexism;

- support and involve people of all racial, social, ethnic, religious, cultural and economic groups;

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants please apply by sending a cover letter, resume and three references to:

Jean Riddle Collins

Executive Director

Huntingdon House

PO Box 217

401 7^th Street

Huntingdon, PA 16652

Jcollins@huntingdonhouse.net

Program Associate, Asylum Access, Oakland, CA

Program Associate

Posted on: January 8, 2015
Posted by: Asylum Access

Program Associate - International Refugee Rights

• Are you looking to join a dynamic, growing global team of human rights lawyers and advocates?
• Are you a lawyer with strong knowledge of international refugee and/or human rights law?
• Do you enjoy research, writing, and developing usable legal services, community education, and policy advocacy tools?
• Do you seek to develop and exercise your program leadership skills while simultaneously jumping in to support vital administrative needs?
• Are you a self-starter, skilled communicator, collaborator, and problem-solver? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment?
• Do you enjoy engaging with the global community and tackling the unexpected?
• Are you both self-motivated and team-focused?

If so, we are looking for you!

Asylum Access, an innovative, international human rights nonprofit, is looking to hire a temporary, full-time Program Associate for a one-year contract with the possibility of renewal. The Program Associate will provide special project, program support, and administrative to both the Legal Services and Policy Advocacy departments and global programs teams.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy Advocacy Support

• Support the advocacy tool development including advocacy power mapping exercises, 1 pagers, talking points, sign-on letters and position papers for internal use and publishing in Refugee Rights Toolkit
• Assist with research, writing, and general development of trainings for use of advocacy tools
• Research Asylum Access's approach to special topics (i.e. child advocacy)
• Identify and respond to gaps in organization knowledge of policy and strategic litigation issues; assist with growing knowledge and developing Toolkit content
• Support logistics for refugee work rights (RWR) coalition could include blog writing, soliciting authorship for the blog, organizing coalition meetings (globally through Skype), potentially facilitate coalition meetings, maintain social media page for RWR
• Provide administrative support for major international conference in Geneva UNHCR
• Coordinate external policy-related meetings with key actors such as the US State Department and speaking engagements including putting together talking points for Executive Director

Legal Services Support

• Serve as program liaison with overseas Legal Services and Community Legal Empowerment teams to identify areas of support and update HQ Leadership Team on Legal Services program progress
• Coordinate identification of and connection to resources, information and support for overseas in-country program implementation
• Develop legal services and community legal empowerment tools for internal use and for publishing in the Refugee Rights Toolkit, such as the development of legal services management, monitoring and evaluation tools
• Develop an organizational Child Protection Policy through research, writing, and ongoing communication with overseas teams and external experts
• Develop best practice proposal papers for legal services programs including but not limited to programming on livelihoods, child protection, and community leadership and participatory action
• Facilitate conference calls with external experts and organizational staff and volunteers for training and advising purposes

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Law degree with focus and/or background in international human rights law and refugee issues
• Administrative experience
• Strong research and writing skills; careful attention to detail
• Strong cross-cultural understanding and communication skills
• Experience in developing legal services and policy advocacy tools
• Understanding of community education programs and best practices
• Willingness to "roll up sleeves" and help where needed
• International living/working experience in the global south an asset
• Spanish language skills an asset

HOW TO APPLY

To apply please send a resume, cover letter, and brief writing sample to Diana Essex at diana.essex@asylumaccess.org. Please note where you learned on the position. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, as we are seeking an immediate hire. We encourage interested and qualified candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Benefits

• Competitive nonprofit salary commensurate with experience
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• Professional development funds
• Generous paid-time-off

Bilingual Program Attorney, National Network to End Domestic Violence, Washington, DC

Bilingual Program Attorney

Posted on: January 5, 2014
Posted by: National Network to End Domestic Violence

The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) is a national organization dedicated to creating a social, political, and economic environment in which violence against women no longer exists. NNEDV seeks a bilingual (English/Spanish) Program Attorney who has knowledge of or experience working with Latin@ communities to join WomensLaw (a project of NNEDV). WomensLaw maintains a growing website, www.WomensLaw.org, which is utilized by more than 1.4 million people annually. The Program Attorney will play an integral role in all WomensLaw activities with a particular emphasis on overseeing the Spanish-language portion of the WomensLaw.org website; responding to Spanish-language inquiries on the Email Hotline; and making presentations / performing outreach in Spanish to Latin@ communities in person and through social media about the ways in which WomensLaw can help them.

This is a full-time exempt position that reports to the WomensLaw Legal Director. The bilingual Program Attorney will work in NNEDV's Washington, D.C. office. Some travel will be required.

Please note that the Program Attorney will not provide representation, work on specific legal cases, or give legal advice, solely legal information.

RESPONSIBILITIES

WomensLaw.org Website

• Interpreting statutes and translating them into "plain language" in English and Spanish.
• Updating existing legal content and developing new content for the WomensLaw.org website.
• Working with other experts in the field to share information and create materials appropriate for WomensLaw.org users.
• Translating and revising Spanish website content and, if needed, recruiting/managing Spanish-speaking translators.
• Maintaining and establishing new relationships with community-based organizations throughout the country, with a focus on organizations that help Spanish-speaking populations.
• Updating and maintaining legal and non-legal resource listings in Spanish and English

Email Hotline

• Answering emails received on our Email Hotline, mostly in Spanish, from victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and others.
• Assisting with management of law school student volunteers who answer emails weekly.
• Assisting in training/recruiting new law school volunteers to answer the Email Hotline.

Social Media, Outreach, Workshops, and Presentations

• Leading workshops or creating presentations for community partners, primarily in Spanish; performing outreach in Spanish to Spanish-speaking population to publicize WomensLaw's services.
• Maintaining a presence in Spanish on social media, making presentations in person and through webinars, and developing creative ways to let victims know about the ways WomensLaw can help them understand the laws and their legal recourse.
• Facilitating presentations at conferences throughout the United States.
• Representing WomensLaw in the Spanish language media.

Please note that the Program Attorney will not provide representation or work on specific legal cases, or give legal advice, solely legal information.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Competitive salary. Benefits package includes medical, life and disability insurance, vacation, sick leave and 401(k) retirement program.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Must be bilingual (Spanish/English) and completely fluent in both languages - native speaker preferred
2. Must have knowledge of or experience working with the Latin@ community
3. J.D. and Bar admission required (may be admitted in any state)
4. Prior experience as a litigator, representing clients in family-law matters or domestic violence-related issues a plus
5. Must have prior experience working in, or a proven commitment to, domestic violence and/or sexual assault or related women's issues
6. Knowledge of immigration laws preferred
7. Excellent writing, grammar, and communication skills in both English and Spanish
8. High level attention to detail
9. Strong legal research or statutory analysis skills
10. Excellent interpersonal, networking and inter-cultural skills
11. Experience providing workshops and/or trainings preferred
12. Experience recruiting, managing and training volunteers preferred
13. Proficient in MS Office and Internet-literate and
14. Ability to work collaboratively as a team as well as independently.

HOW TO APPLY

There are 5 required items to apply:

1. cover letter in English (please clearly explain what your knowledge or experience of working with Latin@ communities entails)

2. same cover letter in Spanish

3. resume

4. salary history and expectations

5. a 1-2 page writing sample in both Spanish and English showing your ability to succinctly and in plain-language summarize a complex legal issue or legal statute

Please email all 5 documents to Stacey Sarver, Esq., Legal Director of WomensLaw at WLjobs@nnedv.org (no mail or faxes please).

Staff Attorney, Safe Horizon, Brooklyn, NY

Staff Attorney

Posted on: December 19, 2014
Posted by: Safe Horizon

The Staff Attorney, using autonomy and independence, provides legal representation to domestic violence victims in family offense, custody, visitation and child support cases in Family Court, and conducts presentations and trainings to internal and external audiences including community-based organizations and other service based providers on domestic violence and the law.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Conducts in depth interviews with victims of domestic violence, compiles history and investigates to corroborate allegations.
• Drafts all legal documents and makes all court appearances with victims of domestic violence.
• Prepares witnesses and client for court appearances.
• Responsible for assisting clients with a holistic range of services, including advocacy on non-legal issues.
• Exercises complete decision making authority over each client's case.
• Provides legal information, advocacy and referrals to individual who reach out to the DVLP helpline.
• Maintains clients' case files and all internal data logs. Responsible for their own clerical case-related work.
• Maintains monthly statistical reports documenting case representation, provision of legal advocacy and referrals.
• Provides statistical and narrative data to five to ten funders.
• Conducts presentations and trainings to community-based organizations and other service providers to promote the mission of the agency.
• Attends meetings to discuss policy issues affecting client population.
• Develops and maintains relationships with individuals, organizations and government agencies within the domestic violence and legal community in New York City.
• Participates in the Lawyer's Committee against Domestic Violence and other advocacy/policy groups.
• Serves as an internal resource to Safe Horizon staff, answering questions and making educational presentations.
• Contributes to the employment, supervision and oversight of support staff, volunteers and student interns.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Strong oral and written communications skills, including the ability to convey legal concepts to lay people.
• The ability to write routine reports, court documents, case notes, pleadings and correspondence in a clear, concise and effective manner is essential.
• Must be creative and have critical thinking skills.
• Must be a persuasive and effective public speaker.
• Prior experience organizing and executing group trainings and information exchanges is preferred.
• Must possess demonstrated appropriate communications skills with client populations, colleagues and court staff.
• Problem-solving, prioritizing, time management, team-building and organizational skills are also essential.
• Must be familiar with legal services, resources and procedures available in New York City.
• Must possess a knowledge and understanding of economic issues facing domestic violence victims, including but not limited to housing, public benefits and child support.
• Strong networking skills and the ability to develop and maintain relationships with various individuals, organizations and government agencies is essential.
• A strong commitment to working exclusively with victims of domestic violence is required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited law school, be admitted to the New York State Bar and have two to four years of related experience. New graduates who have completed an approved fellowship or judicial clerkship may be considered.
• Must have prior experience in and/or thorough knowledge of family law, crisis intervention, criminal justice system, working with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, family violence, poverty law, feminist law and/ social justice work.
• Bilingual oral and written skills strongly preferred.

All prospective job candidates must meet screening requirements, which may include a background check, credit check, finger printing and State Central Registry clearance.

HOW TO APPLY

Please follow link to apply for thgis position:

https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=11808901

Program Attorney, National Network to End Domestic Violence, Washington, DC

Program Attorney

Posted on: October 31, 2014
Posted by: National Network to End Domestic Violence

The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) is a national organization dedicated to creating a social, political, and economic environment in which violence against women no longer exists. NNEDV seeks a Program Attorney to join WomensLaw (a project of NNEDV). WomensLaw maintains a growing website, WomensLaw.org, which is utilized by more than 1.4 million people annually. The Program Attorney will play an integral role in all WomensLaw activities, with a particular emphasis on creating legal information for the WomensLaw.org website; responding to inquiries on the Email Hotline; and maintaining a WomensLaw presence on social media outlets and through trainings and presentations.

This is a full-time exempt position that reports to the WomensLaw Legal Director. The Program Attorney will work in NNEDV's Washington, D.C. office. Some travel will be required.

Please note that the Program Attorney will not provide representation or work on specific legal cases, or give legal advice, solely legal information.**

RESPONSIBILITIES

WomensLaw.org Website

• Interpreting statutes and translating them into "plain language."
• Updating existing legal content and developing new content for the WomensLaw.org website.
• Working with other experts in the field to share information and create materials appropriate for WomensLaw.org users.
• Updating and maintaining legal and non-legal resource listings in Spanish and English.
• Assist in recruiting and supervising law student interns.

Email Hotline

• Answering emails received on our Email Hotline from victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and others.
• Assisting with management of law school student volunteers who answer emails weekly.
• Assisting in training/recruiting new law school volunteers to answer the Email Hotline.
• Expanding the Email Hotline volunteer base through creating a volunteer project at one or more additional law schools.

Social Media, Outreach, Workshops, and Presentations

• Leading workshops and/or creating presentations for community partners; performing outreach to publicize WomensLaw's services.
• Maintaining a presence on social media, making presentations in person and through webinars, and developing creative ways to let victims know about the ways WomensLaw can help them understand the laws and their legal recourse.
• Arranging and/or facilitating presentations at conferences throughout the United States.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Competitive salary. Benefits package includes medical, life and disability insurance, vacation, sick leave and 401(k) retirement program.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Ideal candidate will have between 1 to 3 years of litigation experience, representing domestic violence victims in civil protection order cases and other family law related matters
2. J.D. and Bar admission required (may be admitted in any state)
3. Must have prior experience working in, or a proven commitment to, domestic violence, sexual assault or related women's issues
4. Excellent writing, grammar, and communication skills
5. High level of attention to detail
6. Strong legal research or statutory analysis skills
7. Excellent interpersonal, networking and inter-cultural skills
8. Experience providing workshops and/or trainings preferred
9. Experience recruiting, managing and training volunteers preferred
10. Proficient in MS Office and Internet-literate
11. Ability to work collaboratively on a team as well as independently and
12. Fluency in Spanish is a plus.

HOW TO APPLY

There are 4 required items to apply:

1. cover letter

2. resume

3. salary history and expectations

4. a 1-2 page writing sample showing your ability to succinctly and in plain-language summarize a complex legal issue or statute

Please email all 4 documents to Stacey Sarver, Esq., Legal Director of WomensLaw at WLjobs@nnedv.org (no mail or faxes please).

Managing Supervising Social Worker, Urban Justice Center, New York, NY

Managing Supervising Social Worker

Posted on: October 19, 2014
Posted by: Urban Justice Center

The Urban Justice Center (UJC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocating on behalf of NYC's most vulnerable citizens. The Domestic Violence Project (DVP) at the Urban Justice Center is seeking to hire a licensed social worker to work with and on behalf of victims of domestic violence. DVP's mission is to help victims of domestic violence and their children live free of violence and abuse. We consider domestic violence in any type of relationship, regardless of gender or sexual identity, to be a human rights violation. Our work focuses on providing legal and social work services to promote justice and vigorously defend and protect victims' human rights. To accomplish this, our attorneys, social workers and advocates provide legal representation in NYC Family and Integrated Domestic Violence Courts, mental health services, advocacy, case management, and on-going domestic violence education and outreach activities throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

DVP seeks a social worker to work within a legal-psychosocial framework with survivors of domestic violence to provide therapeutic individual sessions; implement and supervise group sessions; provide economic empowerment and financial coaching to victims of domestic violence in community based clinics; as well as education and outreach throughout NYC about the clinical/psychological effects of domestic violence on victims and their children. This position requires an individual with skills in the development and implementation of high quality clinical services.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• LCSW preferred, LMSW considered.
• SIFI Certified or open to such certification.
• Demonstrated relevant experience with a minimum of three years programmatic management experience.
• Understand performance targets and can create a work plan to reach them efficiently.
• Participate in research studies or lead smaller group of staff to develop new best practices or revise existing strategies.
• Refer clients with legal issues to staff attorneys when appropriate.
• Knowledge and understanding of domestic violence and trauma.
• Proficiency working with individuals of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles.
• Be an effective presenter of DVP at outreach events.
• Highly motivated to cultivate new linkages.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Attend, participate and lead project check-in calls and meetings.
• Demonstrated energy, initiative, and forward thinking to yield high-impact results.
• Ability to work evenings if necessary.
• Ability to respond sensitively to clients' urgent needs.
• Exceptional interpersonal, speaking, and writing skills and the ability to apply these skills in diverse situations.
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible and work as a team member.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Must be able to travel between boroughs.
• Interest and proclivity in working within a multi-disciplinary framework.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter, resume and references via email to mbigelow@urbanjustice.org Please write "SOCIAL WORKER" in the subject heading. We regret that due to high volume, we are unable to respond to inquiries and will only contact those candidates selected for consideration. Please do not contact us via telephone or fax. People of color, LGBTQ individuals, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The Urban Justice Center is an equal opportunity employer.

Project Director/Attorney, Huntington House, Huntington, PA

Project Director/Attorney: Civil Legal Representation Project

Posted on: October 6, 2014

Posted by: Huntington House

Huntingdon House, a domestic violence service program located in the beautiful rural central Pennsylvania town of Huntingdon, announces the following employment opportunity. Employment to begin as soon as possible after October 1, 2014. We are offering an exciting opportunity to the right Project Director/Attorney who is equipped to create a civil legal representation office from the ground up! Become a leader in the Court of Huntingdon County as an advocate for domestic violence survivors, work with rural survivors to create safer access to legal services in remote or isolated rural population centers, and provide education and advocacy about providing justice for survivors of domestic violence. All within a best practices model of survivor centered work.

The Project Director/Attorney will work closely with the Counseling/Advocacy staff of Huntingdon House to strengthen our continuum of services to create safer options and better avenues to justice for survivors who are fleeing domestic violence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of the Huntingdon County Civil Legal Representation Project (HCCLRP) is responsible for leading the HCCLRP and providing effective civil legal representation of victims of domestic violence to the Court in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. The Director will supervise the HCCLRP staff and ensure that the project provides legal information, consultation and representation for program participants at Huntingdon House (HH) a program for survivors of domestic violence. HCCLRP includes a strong focus on serving rural domestic violence survivors. The Project Director also contributes to the coordinated community response to domestic violence in Huntingdon County. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Law degree from an accredited law school and license to practice law in Pennsylvania required. Prior experience in the practice of family and/or public interest law, as well as, expertise in working with survivors of Domestic Violence and providing court advocacy about the impact of domestic violence preferred.

REQUIREMENTS

• The provision of Domestic Violence services with a client empowerment and feminist perspective
• The struggle against ageism, classism, racism, ableism, homophobia, and heterosexism
• Support and involve people of all racial, social, ethnic, religious, cultural, and economic groups

HOW TO APPLY

Those interested in this position may apply by submitting a letter of interest, a current resume/curriculum vitae, and a complete list of three or more personal and professional references to:

Jean Riddle Collins, Executive Director

Jcollins@huntingdonhouse.net

PO Box 217

Huntingdon, PA 16652

814-643-2801 office phone

814-643-2419 fax

Paralegal, Huntingdon House, Huntingdon, PA

Paralegal: Civil Legal Representation Project

Posted on: October 6, 2014
Posted by: Huntingdon House

Huntingdon House, a domestic violence service program located in the beautiful rural central Pennsylvania town of Huntingdon, announces the following employment opportunity. Employment to begin as soon as possible after October 1, 2014. We are offering an exciting opportunity to the right Paralegal who is equipped to create a civil legal representation office from the ground up! Become a leader in the Court of Huntingdon County as an advocate for domestic violence survivors, work with rural survivors to create safer access to legal services in remote or isolated rural population centers, and provide education and advocacy about providing justice for survivors of domestic violence. All within a best practices model of survivor centered work.

The Paralegal will work closely with the Counseling/Advocacy staff of Huntingdon House to strengthen our continuum of services to create safer options and better avenues to justice for survivors who are fleeing domestic violence.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct client interviews and maintain general contact with clients of the Huntingdon County Civil Legal Representation Project, who are victims of domestic violence, including conducting interviews and general contact at rural meeting sites. 
• Conduct web-based case law, statutory and regulatory research. 
• Maintain court schedule and calendar. 
• Maintain legal project records and filing system. 
• Draft and edit legal documents, correspondence and pleadings under the supervision of The Project Director. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least one year of legal assistant experience in a litigation and family law practice, or a public interest law firm or similar setting is preferred. 
• Knowledge of unique issues facing rural victims of domestic violence is preferred. 
• Must possess excellent writing, proofreading, professional telephone skills and a willingness to develop and learn new skills. 
• Excellent and demonstrated word processing required, knowledge of Excel spreadsheet, West Law and case management software is desirable.

Position Requires a STRONG COMMITMENT to

• The provision of Domestic Violence services with a client empowerment and feminist perspective
• The struggle against ageism, classism, racism, ableism, homophobia, and heterosexism
• Support and involvement of all racial, social, ethnic, religious, cultural, and economic groups

HOW TO APPLY

Those interested in this position may apply by submitting a letter of interest, a current resume/curriculum vitae, and a complete list of three or more personal and professional references to:

Jean Riddle Collins, Executive Director

Jcollins@huntingdonhouse.net

PO Box 217

Huntingdon, PA 16652

814-643-2801 office phone

814-643-2419 fax

Transgender Rights Project Staff Attorney, Lambda Legal, New York, NY

Transgender Rights Project Staff Attorney

Posted on: September 29, 2014
Application deadline: October 17, 2014
Start date: November 1, 2014
Posted by: Lambda Legal

Lambda Legal seeks a staff attorney to engage in cutting-edge impact litigation, public policy advocacy, and education furthering Lambda Legal's mission. This position will be based in Lambda Legal's New York office. The attorney will devote approximately 50% of the position's time to the national work of the Transgender Rights Project and the other 50% to work in Lambda Legal's other priority areas in the Northeast region.

Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and people with HIV through impact litigation, education, and public policy work. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in New York City, Lambda Legal has regional offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles.

Lambda Legal's law reform, policy, and education work encompasses a wide range of areas critically important to LGBT people and those living with HIV, including federal and state constitutional law issues; gender identity, sexual orientation and HIV discrimination in employment, schools, youth in out-of-home care systems, health care, identity documents, the criminal justice system; relationship protections, including the freedom to marry; child custody, visitation, assisted reproduction, and adoption; foster care and juvenile justice; asylum and immigration policy; and anti-LGBT harassment and violence. Lambda Legal has been involved in numerous landmark United States and state Supreme Court cases, including Lawrence v. Texas, Romer v. Evans, Boy Scouts of America v. Dale, Bragdon v. Abbott, University of Alabama v. Garrett, In re Marriage Cases, Varnum v. Brien, Benitez v. North Coast Women's Care Medical Group, and Brandon v. County of Richardson. For more information about Lambda Legal, visit www.lambdalegal.org

Lambda Legal's Transgender Rights Project works specifically on behalf of transgender, intersex, and gender nonconforming people. Recent Lambda Legal landmark victories include Glenn v. Brumby, in which we established important law governing gender discrimination in the course of representing a transgender woman fired for transitioning at her job in the Georgia Assembly, and the Smith v. Fields case, which we won on behalf of several Wisconsin transgender women in prison who were denied transition-related health care. In other examples of our recent work, earlier this year the Transgender Rights Project secured Social Security survivor benefits for our 93-year-old client whose claim had been denied following her husband's death, as well as a Social Security Administration policy change for all transgender spouses.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Attorney will devote approximately 50% of the position's time to Lambda Legal's transgender advocacy nationwide and the other 50% to work in Lambda Legal's other priority areas in the Northeast Region (New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.), increasing Lambda Legal's presence as a force for civil rights there. The attorney will handle all aspects of litigation in precedent-setting cases, as well as engage in education efforts and policy advocacy. Litigation responsibilities include devising litigation strategies to produce the greatest positive impact most efficiently, conducting each stage of litigation in trial and appellate courts, writing amicus briefs, organizing amicus strategies, supervising Lambda Legal cooperating attorneys, assisting with the screening of requests for legal assistance, and investigating and developing potential new matters.

In addition, attorneys on staff often consult with private lawyers who are handling matters related to Lambda Legal's areas of expertise, advocate with government agencies and officials, and advise policy makers. The attorney will engage in public speaking, write for a variety of audiences, and help implement education strategies to advance public knowledge and change dialogue about sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and HIV-related legal issues. The education work involves frequent interviews with print, radio, television, and web reporters. Some travel is required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants are expected to possess experience sufficient to allow them to work with substantial independence in furtherance of Lambda Legal's mission in all areas of our work. Applicants should have a minimum of four (4) years experience as a practicing attorney, including litigation experience that prepares the applicant to handle law reform litigation.

The applicant should have a high level of independence and initiative, excellent speaking and writing skills, the ability to produce the highest caliber legal work, creativity, good judgment, and a willingness to work with others toward the most effective strategies and initiatives to advance civil rights. In addition, the successful candidate will have the ability to talk and write about legal and other complex issues in clear, persuasive terms for non-lawyer audiences.

Working at Lambda Legal requires a demonstrated awareness of and commitment to the concerns of the communities Lambda Legal. Prior work on behalf of transgender people, the LGBT community and/or people living with HIV is highly desirable, as is fluency in Spanish and/or other languages in addition to English.

HOW TO APPY

The position is open until filled, and may start as soon as November 1, 2014. Interviews may start as early as October 1, 2014. Send resume, brief writing sample (preferably including discussion of a constitutional, discrimination, federal courts or other complex issue), and a letter or email explaining your interest in the position and how you learned of the job opening to:

Amy Shapiro

Legal Administrative Manager

Lambda Legal

120 Wall Street, 19^th Fl.

New York, NY 10005

ashapiro@lambdalegal.org

Include the words "Staff /Transgender Rights Project Attorney position" on the first line of the address of the envelope or the subject line of the email transmitting your application materials.

No calls please. Due to the high volume of applications, Lambda Legal will not accept phone calls about the position and does not notify applicants of status except when an interview is granted.

Lambda Legal is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, transgender people, and people with disabilities, including HIV, are encouraged to apply.