Senior Staff Attorney

Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney – LAVA Project Agency and Project Description Indiana Legal Services, Inc. (ILS) is a statewide, not‑for‑profit organization that provides free legal services to eligible clients in civil cases through eight branch offices. The LAVA (Legal Assistance to Victimized Adults) Project is dedicated to providing civil legal representation to older adults (age 60+) and endangered adults (age 18+ with a disability that limits their ability to care for themselves or their property) who are victims of crime, including abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Location This position will ideally be based in the South Bend, Fort Wayne, or Merrillville ILS offices. Candidates willing to work from the Indianapolis or Lafayette offices with regular travel to serve clients and partners in northern and central Indiana will also be considered. Duration Permanent, full‑time. Position Description This is a full‑time Staff Attorney position within the LAVA Project. For candidates with sufficient experience, it will be a Senior Staff Attorney position. The Staff Attorney and Senior Staff Attorney provide high‑quality, victim‑centered, trauma‑informed civil legal services to older adults and endangered adults who are victims of crime. Representation may include advice, negotiation, and litigation. In addition to maintaining an active caseload, the Senior Staff Attorney plays a leadership role within the LAVA Project team, including mentoring staff, supporting program development, and serving as a subject‑matter resource on elder justice issues. Responsibilities Provide victim‑centered, trauma‑informed legal advice, representation, and advocacy to older adults and endangered adults who are victims of crime throughout Indiana, including issues related to financial exploitation, abuse, and neglect. Develop and execute strategies aimed at addressing the needs of the elder and endangered adult communities throughout Indiana. Provide community education through presentations, publications, and coalition participation, with particular attention to rural and underserved communities. Develop educational materials and conduct training and outreach on elder abuse, financial exploitation, and related topics to legal and allied professionals. Collaborate with other ILS offices and projects by sharing expertise, research, and pleadings, and by consulting, training, and co‑counseling cases as appropriate. Comply with all ILS policies and procedures for legal work management. Required Qualifications Dedicated to the mission, vision, and values of Indiana Legal Services. Licensed to practice law in Indiana. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Available transportation and ability to travel throughout the state as needed to perform job responsibilities, particularly to remote and rural counties. Proven leadership skills with a strong work ethic. Demonstrated commitment to social justice and increasing access to justice for vulnerable populations. Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary setting, including with social workers and allied professionals, to facilitate coordinated community responses and provide holistic services to clients. Preferred Qualifications Minimum of three years of legal practice experience. Experience in elder law, victims’ rights, guardianship, or related areas strongly preferred. Experience representing clients with diminished capacity is strongly preferred. Experience delivering trainings and presentations. Excellent negotiation and litigation skills. Compensation Staff Attorney: starting salary is $58,656, up to a maximum of $79,100, depending on experience. Senior Staff Attorney: starting salary is $64,600, up to a maximum of $96,900, depending on experience. ILS offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, Rx), disability insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, a flex benefit plan, and generous vacation and sick leave. Closing Date When filled #J-18808-Ljbffr Indiana Legal Services