PART TIME, CONTRACT ATTORNEY OPPORTUNITY

IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY

Join our growing team at Cowlitz Wahkiakum Legal Aid (CWLA).

We're on a mission to deliver justice in the civil courts for those facing threats to their livelihood, family, and wellness. Through education, advocacy, and engagement, we stand as a beacon for underserved individuals. CWLA provides vital free legal assistance to those in extreme poverty, ensuring access to justice for those who cannot afford the services of a lawyer. Join us in championing fairness and fighting for the rights of those in need.

Overview of Time Required and General Responsibilities:

25 Hours per month in which two (2) full two-hour Legal Clinics are held with clients screened and coordinated by CWLA staff. In addition, four (4) hours of pre and post Legal Clinic preparation are included, and seventeen (17) hours of casework for individual cases that arise out of the Legal Clinics and agreed upon by CWLA’s Legal Director and/or Executive Director.

Rate of Pay:

$165 per hour, billed monthly to CWLA.

At full utilization, $49,500 for one-year of service under the contract.

Areas of Law:

This position is specifically targeted to respond to the greatest needs in our community:

We will see a full range of Immigration Issues for clients who reach out for help in the geographies we cover : Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Lewis, and Pacific Counties. Our clients are extremely low-income, under 200% of Federal Poverty Level and our services are free to eligible clients.

Qualifications:

Active License to Practice Law in Washington State in good standing.

Four (4) Years of licensed practice of Immigration Law.

Licensed to drive in Washington State.

Attorney or law firm accepting this contract must hold professional liability insurance.

A command of using virtual platforms like Zoom and Teams for client appointments and court hearings.

Length of Contract:

One year. It is possible that additional funding be realized, and the position could be extended.

More Detailed Responsibilities:

· Pre-Schedule Legal Clinics with CWLA Case Managers.

· Screen for client conflicts and review client files in advance of Legal Clinics.

· Review client issues on legal matters, analyze available options, and diligently work to determine the best course of action.

· Consult with clients and provide advice, counsel, instructions, recommendations for legal forms, review of legal forms prepared by clients, assistance in filling out legal forms.

· Provide case notes with specific instructions for clients to follow and references to the law and forms clients need to move their cases forward.

· Keep files organized for follow-up appointments with clients.

· If clients require a higher level of service, escalate those issues to the Legal Director or Executive Director for consideration.

· Upon discussion and approval by Legal Director or Executive Director, provide limited and full representation for clients who present with significant barriers to self-representation.

· As appropriate, and within the scope of limited or full representation and with ongoing conversations with CWLA’s Legal Director, appear in court, negotiate, or draft letters and/or documents and forms for clients.

· CWLA provides access to language interpreters for all attorney appointments.

Contractor Maintains:

· Their own workspace but may use CWLA office space to meet with clients or other tasks.

· Their own computer and access to appropriate software, programs and staff support.

· Their own MCLE required training responsibilities and licensing requirements.

· Their own schedule and informs CWLA Case Managers of their availability.

· Their own separate business and law practice.

Work Schedule:

The CWLA team works 9am to 4pm Monday through Friday and Legal Clinics will take place during those hours. Clinics may be held in-person, over the phone or via Zoom. It is best to set up a consistent monthly schedule for the Legal Clinics, but there is flexibility on which days and times work best for the Contractor’s schedule.

How to apply:

Send a cover letter and a resume to the following email address:

cwlap@live.com

Cover letter should address the type of work you currently do and the type of work you enjoy, and your interest in Public Service Law and Immigration Law.

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: $165.00 per hour

Expected hours: 6 – 7 per week

Benefits:

Flexible schedule
Professional development assistance

Schedule:

Choose your own hours
Day shift
Monday to Friday
Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

Are you licensed to practice immigration law and also licensed to practice law in Washington State in good standing?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Longview, WA 98632

Cowlitz Wahkiakum Legal Aid

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