Judicare Legal Aid seeks Indian Law Office Staff Attorney
POSITION: Judicare Legal Aid is seeking a full-time staff attorney in its Indian Law Office. Our office is based in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin in the city of Wausau. Applicants willing to work remotely in or near the service area are encouraged to apply.
ABOUT US: Judicare Legal Aid is a non-profit organization funded by the federal Legal Services Corporation, the Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation, and other state, local and federal grant sources. Judicare Legal Aid provides civil legal services to low-income persons in the northern 33 counties of Wisconsin, as well as Native Americans statewide. Judicare Legal Aid's mission is to provide legal assistance to those who otherwise cannot afford it and our vision is equal justice for all. We are an eligible employer for public interest-based loan forgiveness.
Judicare Legal Aid currently employs 38 staff including 18 attorneys that practice in our Civil and Indian law units. We also emphasize the use of pro bono and Judicare compensated private attorneys to serve clients across rural Northern Wisconsin.
RESPONSIBILITIES: (1) Maintain caseload on behalf of Native American clients in both civil and criminal matters in tribal court or arising under federal or tribal law. Civil case areas include Indian Child Welfare (ICW), custody/placement, guardian ad litem (GAL), divorce, estate planning; (2) Educate and serve Native Americans statewide on areas of civil and criminal law; (3) Participate in tribal court development, code drafting and community education projects; and (4) Carry out training and back-up assistance to private attorneys.
REQUIREMENTS:
Admission to Wisconsin Bar or ability to become licensed within six months of hire and be willing to apply for bar admissions to tribal courts
Commitment to justice for low-income communities.
A high degree of initiative and ability to independently manage a caseload;
Ability to travel for court, trainings, and outreach;
Strong interpersonal communication skills, sense of humor, and positive attitude;
Excellent written and verbal advocacy skills; and
Interest in thinking creatively about how to address our clients’ legal issues.
A COVID-19 vaccine mandate is in place for all employees. A copy of the policy can be requested by emailing info@judicare.org
PREFERENCES:
Knowledge of Native American issues and Federal Indian law is preferred.
Experience representing low-income clients and/ or victims of violence
Demonstrated desire to work with persons with a disability, living in poverty or persons with a minority status or affiliation.
SALARY/BENEFITS: Starting salary depends upon experience and qualifications, with a minimum starting salary of $55,000 for a full-time position. This position includes full fringe benefits, which currently consist of premium free health, dental, life and disability insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with 3% salary match, and vacation and sick time. We are an eligible employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
REIMBURSEMENT FOR RELOCATION EXPENSES: Reimbursement for some relocation expenses may be available.
HOW TO APPLY: Submit resume, references, and writing sample to:
Mary Jo Nyenhuis, Executive Secretary, Judicare Legal Aid.
P.O. Box 6100
Wausau, WI 54402-6100
info@judicare.org
Judicare Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by State or Federal law.