Northwest Justice Project: Foreclosure Prevention Staff Attorney Positions

Northwest Justice Project

Foreclosure Prevention Staff Attorney Positions

T  The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is a not-for-profit statewide law firm that pursues its mission through legal representation,            community partnerships, and education to combat injustice and promote the long-term well-being of low-income individuals, families, and communities throughout Washington.  In anticipation of receipt of funding to support legal services to preserve                

homeownership and mitigate the adverse effects of foreclosure on our low-income client communities, NJP seeks applications from          qualified attorneys committed to supporting our mission through the work of our Foreclosure Prevention Unit.  Depending on funding, we anticipate the positions will be based in Everett, Olympia, Spokane, Tacoma and Yakima.  Additional positions may be based in NJP field offices in other locations.

Successful applicants will have civil litigation experience, with particular experience in foreclosure, consumer, finance, bankruptcy, housing, real estate and/or related areas of law that impact persons affected by home foreclosure.  Applicants should be culturally competent and have demonstrated experience working with low-income client communities. Washington State Bar Association membership in good standing or ability to acquire membership through reciprocity is required.  Ability to speak a language prevalent in Washington’s low-income communities is a plus.

JOB DUTIES: The attorneys will undertake a range of duties including, but not limited to:

• Work collaboratively with unit/office team to provide day to day legal assistance and direct representation to eligible clients on foreclosure matters, including advice and referral, mediation, state and federal litigation and appeals as required.
• Engage with the client communities and conduct legal education events for client groups, social and human services providers, and justice system stakeholders, and serve as a resource to other advocates and housing counselors on foreclosure prevention, mediation and the tools available to mitigate the impacts of foreclosure, with particular focus on persons and groups that experience special barriers to accessing civil legal services, including veterans, immigrants, limited English speaking, seniors, and other groups.

• Develop collaborative working relationships with a statewide network of advocates working on similar issues throughout the state and participate in advocacy task forces or work groups to address systemic issues that arise in the foreclosure context.
• Utilize NJP’s case management and timekeeping systems and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements and reporting needs.
• Help identify and develop on-line resources for use by attorneys and/or unrepresented litigants on matters within areas of practice and expertise.
• Support the work of NJP partners including the volunteer lawyers, private attorneys, other legal aid providers and interested parties and organizations addressing the legal needs of low-income persons on matters related to foreclosure.

Salary depends on experience.  NJP offers an attractive benefits package and a comfortable work environment.  Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, current resume, and writing sample to: Sue Encherman at suee@nwjustice.org.  Letters of interest and subject line should clearly reference "Foreclosure Attorney" position and preferred location.  Date of availability should be noted in cover letter.  Include proficiency in languages other than English on the resume.  More information about NJP: www.nwjustice.org.  Application deadline: November 26, 2012.

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