Child Advocacy Staff Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Northern Nevada Legal Aid (NNLA), formerly known as Washoe Legal Services, is seeking a Staff Attorney for our Child Advocacy Department. Staff Attorneys in this department provide court appointed legal representation to abused and neglected children who are a party to a dependency action in Washoe County. Child Advocacy Attorneys assure protection of the child’s legal rights and provide representation of the child in court and other settings allowing the child to take an active role in their own destiny. Attorneys in good standing with an active bar license from any U.S. jurisdiction can be licensed in Nevada under Supreme Court Rule 49.1 to fill this position . If you are looking to directly help your community and you want an employer who values your contributions and provides a positive work-life balance, then NNLA may be the place for you!

Duties and Responsibilities

·        Establishing a trusting and confidential attorney-client relationship with clients and maintaining regular contact for the duration of the action,

·        Working with a multidisciplinary team including caseworkers, therapists, teachers, foster parents, parents, relatives, and attorneys for parties to the action, to help the child achieve timely closure of their dependency case and return to normalcy in their lives,

·        Representing the child in regular court hearings remotely and in person when court required,

·        Drafting and filing motions and appeals, as necessary,

·        Attends outreach events for NNLA and other regional events, coordinating with community partners, and serving as a community resource,

·        Other duties assigned as needed.

Qualifications

·        Must be a member of the Nevada Bar or possess an active and good standing Bar License from any United States jurisdiction to comply with Supreme Court Rule 49.1,

·        Experience working with children preferred,

·        Desire to work with children – from newborn to twenty-one years old,

·        Excellent verbal and written communication skills,

·        Excellent relationship-building skills, comfortable appearing in a courtroom and other professional meetings in which teamwork is essential, an empathetic communicator with a positive attitude,

·        Ability to focus on multiple cases and travel to clients and court appearances, when necessary,

·        A genuine passion and deep commitment for the mission of NNLA,

·        Desire to problem-solve, make decisions efficiently, and refer clients to resources as appropriate,

·        Strong organizational skills, and an ability to understand the lives and struggles confronting low-income and vulnerable people in our community,

·        Ability to take initiative and work independently, as well as being part of a great team of caring individuals providing an invaluable service.

Salary/Benefits

Position is a full-time, exempt position, with a salary range of $70,000-$80,000, depending upon experience. NNLA promotes a positive work-life balance by offering a 35-hour work week, 12 paid holidays per year, and a generous Personal Time Off (PTO) program that starts accruing immediately to earn over 5 weeks of PTO a year (increase in PTO accrual after 2 years). NNLA offers a competitive benefits package which pays 100% of the employee Medical, Dental, Vision and Life plans along with paying 75% of dependents benefit premium. In addition, NNLA has a 401(k)-matching program, an Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care Account, and supplemental benefits. 

Application Deadline and Starting Date

Position is available immediately and will remain posted until filled.

Work Location

After successful training, remote/hybrid work options will be available. In-person appearances at hearings may be required. Physical demands include high use of desk and computer.  

About Northern Nevada Legal Aid

Formerly known as Washoe Legal Services, Northern Nevada Legal Aid (NNLA) is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and public interest law firm in Washoe County, Nevada, which was established in 1965 and has been in continuous operation since. In addition to our Adult Guardianship program, NNLA plays a critical role in helping individuals facing eviction or other housing issues to know their rights. We promote the safety and stability of domestic violence victims and their children. We represent abused and neglected children in foster care proceedings, making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children throughout Northern Nevada provides a rewarding sense of job satisfaction. We serve immigrants who are victims of crime and domestic or sexual violence. In 2022, Northern Nevada Legal Aid assisted in over 10,500 legal matters, including representation of 1,194 children in 432B proceedings. NNLA’s purpose is to achieve justice for vulnerable populations whose voices might otherwise not be heard, to empower individuals to advocate for themselves, and to make positive changes in the communities we serve. We provide access to justice (regardless of their ability to pay), to protect client rights, safety, and family stability through the expansion of access to legal justice in Northern Nevada.                     

Diversity Statement

NNLA is an ADA/Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the empowerment of vulnerable individuals and communities, through the expansion of access to legal justice in Northern Nevada. Individuals of diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

Please visit  for more information about our organization and visit our Job Openings page for current opportunities.  Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter/X.

Northern Nevada Legal Aid is a nonprofit legal aid organization serving qualified residents in Washoe County, and rural northern Nevada counties. Legal aid is free or low-cost advice, assistance, or representation in civil matters for those who could not otherwise afford an attorney. We provide legal aid with the goal to eliminate barriers to access the legal system for our society’s most vulnerable members, to protect their rights, keep them safe, and provide stability. Legal aid also provides legal system efficiencies by decreasing self-represented litigants.

Company Description

Northern Nevada Legal Aid is a nonprofit legal aid organization serving qualified residents in Washoe County, and rural northern Nevada counties. Legal aid is free or low-cost advice, assistance, or representation in civil matters for those who could not otherwise afford an attorney. We provide legal aid with the goal to eliminate barriers to access the legal system for our society’s most vulnerable members, to protect their rights, keep them safe, and provide stability. Legal aid also provides legal system efficiencies by decreasing self-represented litigants.