ATLAS Attorney

Description

Legal Aid of West Virginia is seeking a full-time attorney to join its Access to Legal Aid Services (ATLAS) team in Charleston, West Virginia. The ATLAS Attorney will provide high-quality legal advice and professional advocacy for low-income West Virginians while working collaboratively with attorneys, paralegals, program staff, and community partners.

The ATLAS Attorney will:

• Provide legal advice, brief services, and representation consistent with professional standards, organizational policies, Legal Services Corporation requirements, and applicable grant requirements.
• Interview and advise clients, determine eligibility for services, and evaluate matters for acceptance.
• Prepare pleadings, correspondence, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Gather and evaluate evidence, conduct legal research, interview clients and witnesses, and investigate facts relevant to client matters.
• Develop case strategies and represent clients in court, administrative proceedings, and other appropriate forums.
• Maintain accurate and complete case files and timely document work in LAWV’s case-management system.
• Complete reports, forms, and timekeeping records required for client services, administrative responsibilities, and funding compliance.
• Work professionally and collaboratively with clients, coworkers, service providers, and community partners.
• Participate in organizational meetings, trainings, task forces, and statewide planning activities.
• Assist in efforts to involve private attorneys in providing services to eligible clients.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, subject to applicable professional and ethical obligations.

Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Be admitted to practice law in West Virginia and remain in good standing, be eligible for admission under West Virginia Supreme Court Rule 9 based on admission in another state or be eligible to sit for the next regularly scheduled West Virginia Bar Examination.
• Demonstrate a commitment to understanding and addressing the legal needs of low-income individuals and communities.
• Possess strong legal research, writing, analytical, advocacy, and communication skills.
• Be able to use office technology and learn LAWV’s case-management and related systems.
• Be able to balance client advocacy, case-management, reporting, and administrative responsibilities.
• Work effectively with clients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• Be able to travel as necessary for court appearances, administrative proceedings, meetings, training, and client services.

About Legal Aid of West Virginia

Legal Aid of West Virginia is a statewide nonprofit law firm committed to ensuring fairness and access to justice for West Virginians, particularly individuals and families who face financial, legal, or systemic barriers.