Kitsap Legal Services (KLS) is a non-profit organization that accepts recommendations for limited advice, advice and sometimes direct representation in various areas of law. KLS works to match its clients with volunteer lawyers and paralegals. Counselling clinics and consultations are held at several locations in Kitsap County. Previous experience in all aspects of civil litigation with a focus on housing, utilities, consumer affairs, family law, and other issues affecting low-income people in Washington is preferred. Experience in affirmative litigation in state or federal courts and experience dealing with systemic issues is an advantage. Extensive legal aid in civil matters and related advocacy experience is also preferable, but not mandatory. Applicants must be culturally competent and have experience working with low-income client communities, communities of colour, limited Anglophones and persons with disabilities. Membership in the Washington State Bar Association with a good reputation, the ability to obtain membership by reciprocity or the ability to pass the next Washington Bar Exam is required. The desire to work in Bremerton, Washington, and the willingness to travel to Kitsap and Pierce counties are necessary. • Work with the office and regional team to provide legal assistance and representation to eligible clients in all relevant forums, including administrative agencies and state, federal and tribal courts and courts of appeal. • Use of strategic methodologies and a wide range of advocacy tools in multiple forums to address the needs of high-priority clients, with a particular focus on the legal needs of individuals and groups who have particular barriers to accessing civil legal services, including veterans, immigrants, young people, the elderly, persons with disabilities (including the institutionalized mentally ill) and other vulnerable persons Group. • Develop collaborative working relationships with a national network of lawyers working on similar issues and participate in working groups or advocacy working groups to resolve systemic issues. • Interact with the client community; participation in legal education activities for client groups, social and human service providers and justice system stakeholders; and serve as a resource in areas of current or acquired expertise.
• Effectively leverage NJP`s case management, time tracking and other office systems and meet all applicable regulatory and work report requirements. • Assist in identifying and developing online resources for use by lawyers and/or self-represented litigants in areas of expertise. • Support the work of NJP partners, including the local volunteer advocacy program, private lawyers, self-represented litigant programs, other legal aid providers, and interested parties and organizations. Proven experience and/or connection with NJP`s customer communities is preferred. The Northwest Justice Project is particularly interested in qualified candidates whose professional, personal or service experience enables them to contribute to and support the legal aid community`s commitment to racial justice. NJP lawyers must be prepared to engage with the community we serve. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, an up-to-date CV and a writing sample to: Karen Holland at [email protected]. Expressions of interest and subject line must clearly refer to the position “Bremerton Attorney”. The cover letter should include a description of previous personal or work experience and skills working with low-income or other marginalized communities. Indicate knowledge of languages other than English in your CV. More information about NJP: www.nwjustice.org. The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is a national, not-for-profit law firm.
Our mission is to fight injustice, strengthen communities and protect human dignity. To do this, we represent our clients, work with bar and community organizations and educate. NJP solicits applications from qualified lawyers who are committed to supporting our mission through the work of our Bremerton office, which primarily serves Kitsap County. This is a full-time position. PROFESSIONAL DUTIES: Bremerton`s staff lawyer will perform a number of roles, including but not limited to:.