Staff Attorney (Des Moines)

ABOUT L.U.N.A.

Latinas Unidas por un Nuevo Amanecer (L.U.N.A.) is a culturally specific nonprofit organization that provides services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking across Iowa. Founded by Latina survivors in 1999, L.U.N.A. was created to address the lack of culturally responsive services available to the community.

The organization provides advocacy, crisis intervention, support groups, emergency financial assistance, legal services, referrals, and a 24-hour crisis hotline. L.U.N.A. also conducts community outreach and education to increase awareness and access to resources.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

· Provide survivor-centered, trauma-informed legal advice, limited services, and representation, primarily in family law matters and orders of protection.

· Provide culturally and linguistically responsive legal services that reduce barriers and increase access to justice.

· Collaborate with L.U.N.A. advocates and the Legal Services Program Coordinator to provide holistic services while maintaining appropriate attorney-client confidentiality and professional boundaries.

· Maintain accurate and timely case files, legal records, timekeeping, and required documentation.

· Educate survivors about their legal rights and options so they can make informed decisions.

· Help develop and strengthen policies, procedures, and practices for L.U.N.A.'s legal services program.

· Build collaborative relationships with attorneys, courts, legal service providers, and community partners throughout Iowa.

· Participate in relevant supervision, training, professional development, and grant-required activities.

· Travel as needed for court proceedings, client representation, meetings, and other case-related activities.

· Complete and maintain domestic violence and sexual assault certification from the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) within one year of hire.

· Perform other related duties consistent with the responsibilities of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience comes in many forms. We welcome people from all walks of life, lived experiences, and backgrounds.

Required

· Licensed to practice law in Iowa, eligible for admission by motion, or eligible and willing to take the next Iowa Bar Examination.

· Strong communication, advocacy, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to work collaboratively with diverse communities, colleagues, and community partners.

· Willingness and ability to travel as needed throughout L.U.N.A.’s service area and, on occasion, to other locations in Iowa.

Preferred

· Experience in family law, legal aid, civil litigation, victim services, or related legal practice.

· Experience working with survivors or underserved communities.

· Fluency in Spanish.

· Experience providing culturally responsive services.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

All applicants must undergo criminal background, fingerprint check, Sex Abuse Registry check and driving record check to be eligible for hiring.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & BENEFITS

· Salary: $85,000-$100,000, depending on experience.

· Health, dental, and vision insurance.

· Professional malpractice insurance.

· Hybrid work schedule.

· Flexible scheduling based on program and client needs.

· Iowa Bar membership dues and attorney licensing fees paid by L.U.N.A.

· Up to $1,000 annually for CLE, training, conferences, and professional development.

· Trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive workplace.