Project Attorney

Overview

As a Project Attorney for the DOVES Program's Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Legal Assistance to Victims (LAV) Expanding Legal Services Initiative (ELSI) grant, you will play a crucial role in coordinating and overseeing legal services for survivors of sexual, domestic, and dating violence, stalking, and human trafficking in western Nebraska. You will lead the creation and development of a groundbreaking DOVES Program Law project aimed at providing comprehensive legal assistance to victims. Your expertise will be pivotal in ensuring that survivors receive effective and compassionate legal support to navigate the complexities of the justice system.

Working closely with a dedicated team, you will be responsible for assessing the legal needs of survivors, conducting thorough research, and advocating on their behalf in legal proceedings. Your role will also involve collaborating with community partners, government agencies, and stakeholders to enhance the delivery of legal services and promote survivor-centered approaches. Additionally, you will be involved in raising awareness about issues related to violence against women and implementing strategies to address systemic barriers.

The ideal candidate will have a strong legal background, with experience in family law, victim advocacy, and/or civil rights. You should be passionate about advancing social justice and empowering marginalized communities. Strong communication skills, empathy, and cultural sensitivity are essential for effectively engaging with diverse populations. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of survivors.

Download Job Description Here.

Duties

Project Coordinator Responsibilities: In addition to serving as the Project Attorney, this individual will serve as the Project Coordinator for an Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Legal Assistance to Victims (LAV) Expanding Legal Services Initiative (ELSI) grant.

Prior to providing direct client representation, the Project Attorney will complete the following tasks in collaboration with the Executive Director.

Finalize grant Goals and Objectives
Finalize Case Selection Criteria
Create an Information Storage Policy
Create an Information Sharing Policy
Create an Electronic Device & Communications Policy
Create an Emergency/Contingency plan if Project Attorney were to become unexpectedly unavailable
Create a Conflict Checks Procedure
Create Case Intake, Opening & Closing Procedures
Create a File Retention Policy
Create other Policies & Procedures required for Malpractice Insurance
Make purchase recommendations for Case Management Software
Make purchase recommendations for Case Research Software
Finalize Paralegal/Legal Assistant job description.

Throughout the life of this grant project, the Project Attorney will:

Create a Legal Project Community & Partner Outreach Plan
Create a Language Access Plan
Attend monthly cohort meetings
Attend OVW-sponsored training, technical assistance, and other meetings as appropriate
Host on-site visits from OVW-designated Training & Technical Assistance provider and OVW
Supervise Paralegal/Legal Assistant in the following tasks:
- Coordination with Vela to establish a system for stat collection that is appropriately segregated from the DOVES Advocacy Program
- Ensure required statistics are collected for semi-annual progress reports
- Draft semi-annual progress report
- Assist with the grant renewal application
- Ensure the Legal Services section of the Operations Manual is up-to-date
- Other tasks as assigned

Project Attorney Responsibilities: Once the deliverables mentioned above have been approved by OVW, the Project Attorney will begin to provide direct client representation. Caseload will include brief advice, unbundled services, and full representation in court.

Assist in the creation and development of the DOVES Program Law Project
Provide effective legal assistance to survivors of sexual, domestic, and dating violence, stalkin,g and human trafficking
Successfully handle all aspects of a family law caseload, including protection orders, divorce matters, custody, and/or child support.
Directly supervise the Paralegal/Legal Assistant
Receive referrals from and make referrals to the DOVES Advocacy Program to provide holistic case management and support while maintaining the required boundaries between legal services and advocacy.
Maintain knowledge of current resources offered by the DOVES Program.
Build and strengthen existing relationships with other community organizations, as well as identify and create new relationships, to maximize benefits and services available to DOVES clients.
Participate in working groups and task forces that seek to improve access to justice; coordinate a community-wide response to domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking; raise standards of practice and services to survivors; and build legal capacity in our community.
Attend one-on-one individual supervision meetings with the Executive Director.
Host one-on-one individual supervision meetings with the Paralegal/Legal Assistant

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
Active license to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction
Minimum of 3 years of experience practicing law
Minimum of 1 year of experience in family law or a victim-service field, and experience dealing with the practical and legal issues encountered by survivors
Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and human trafficking
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Empathy, cultural competence, and a strong commitment to social justice
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team setting
Ability to travel extensively throughout the Nebraska Panhandle
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail