Judicare Legal Aid seeks Victims' Rights Project Staff Attorney

POSITION: Judicare Legal Aid is seeking a full-time staff attorney in its Victims’ Rights Project. 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: Position will advise and represent victims of family violence in civil cases and victims of crime as provided under Chapter 950 and the Wisconsin Constitution. The Victim Rights Project focuses on: (1) representing and advocating for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence; and (2) actively protecting the privacy rights of those victims in criminal cases where the confidential and privileged medical and mental health records of the victim are being requested to be admitted in court. The majority of case work will be in family law and victim rights but could also include consumer, housing, and public benefits. All staff attorneys are expected to develop and maintain good working relationships with community groups, as well as with state and local bar associations. Staff attorneys may also be called on to provide training and assistance to Judicare panel private attorneys and training for community agencies. Staff attorneys are expected to take cases throughout the service area which will require some travel. Between these traditional and non-traditional responsibilities, staff attorneys are expected to work a minimum of 35 hours per week.

REQUIREMENTS:
Admission to Wisconsin Bar or ability to become licensed within six months of hire.
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:
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.