Staff Attorney, Legal Counsel for Youth and Children (LCYC)

Staff Attorney, Legal Counsel for Youth and Children (LCYC)

Legal Counsel for Youth and Children (LCYC) seeks a full time Spanish-speaking attorney to provide direct representation for children and young people up to 21 years old who are eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). The attorney will file state court actions, represent the youth in state court and work closely with immigration attorneys. The applicant must be fluent in English and Spanish and must be able to start the position as soon as possible. A large percentage of our SIJS clients are unaccompanied children from Central America and Mexico who may or may not be in immigration removal proceedings. We are looking for someone who is passionate, collaborative, and an innovative advocate, committed to social justice and anti-racism.

Applicants must be a member of the Washington State Bar Association currently. The SIJS attorney will be an integral member of LCYC’s Justice Expansion Team and work statewide. The location of this position is flexible; however, the attorney must be located in the state of Washington and travel will be expected to appear in person occasionally throughout the state. Generally, LCYC is a virtual non-profit – the attorney will work from home and spend most of their time working with clients virtually to reach their goal. Additionally, the attorney will identify other non-SIJS legal and general non-legal issues that the youth may be facing and warmly handoff to the appropriate community partner. Applicants do not need existing expertise in many legal areas, but they do need to arrive at LCYC with a commitment to continual learning.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to LCYC’s mission of protecting the interest and safety of youth in Washington by advancing their legal rights.
• Ability to live and practice in the state of Washington
• Washington State Bar Membership currently.
• Must be fluent in English and Spanish, speaking and writing.
• Experience as a practicing attorney or law school work/internship/externship; past experience in juvenile dependencies or related child welfare, minor guardianships, CHINS, parenting plans and SIJS is strongly preferred.
• Commitment to and demonstrated interest in engaging in culturally competent relationships and applying an anti-racist lens to program operations, community partnerships, and supporting young people.
• Demonstrated interest and ability in working with youth and families of diverse racial, cultural, socio-economic backgrounds and inspire their confidence.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
• Ability to serve as the technical advisor to pro bono attorneys.
• Ability to communicate legal concepts, options, and potential outcomes in a developmentally appropriate manner with youth.
• Ability to work professionally with youth, diverse community partners and other attorneys, developing a relationship of trust and confidence.
• Ability to be flexible, adjusting to the needs of youth.
• Committed to continual learning and responsive to feedback.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a car as the position involves some travel.
• Must show proof of authority to work and pass a background check, including fingerprints.
• Must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination (both doses) and will be expected to get the next booster.

Responsibilities:

• The SIJS staff attorney will undertake a range of duties including, but not limited to the list below. Conduct intake for youth under the age of 21 years virtually.
• Provide youth with legal advice, referrals, mediation, and in-court representation as needed in civil actions that will result in an Order for SIJS.
• Investigate each case; analyze facts in light of relevant legal considerations; conduct legal research; prepare litigation strategy; motions and briefs and argue specific legal motions and pleadings; litigate evidentiary hearings; examine and cross-examine witnesses.
• Partner with local community service providers, immigration attorneys and LCYC Legal Supervisor on the direct delivery of services and continual improvement of the service model and its local adaptation.
• Work with Pro Bono attorneys and Pro Bono Manager to expand services. • Participate in regular case staffings with LCYC Legal Supervisor.
• Participate in weekly meeting with the Justice Expansion Team, general staff monthly meetings and an annual retreat with all LCYC staff.
• Staff cases, problem solve, and identify trends and systemic barriers as an active member of LCYC’s Justice Expansion Team.
• Participate in trainings to continually improve the advocacy provided to the youth LCYC serves.
• Track time and pertinent case data from intakes and closing in LCYC’s case management system.
• Regularly participate in all staff meetings, trainings, and identity group conversations on equity and systemic racism.

How to Apply

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, brief writing sample, and list of three references to Jovon Vaughn via email at jovon@lcycwa.org.