ATLAS Attorney

Legal Aid Of West Virginia • Charleston, WV

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About The Position

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 provides high-quality legal advice and professional advocacy for low-income West Virginians while working collaboratively with attorneys, paralegals, program staff, and community partners.

The role includes providing legal advice, brief services, and representation in accordance with professional standards, organizational policies, Legal Services Corporation requirements, and applicable grant requirements. The attorney interviews and advises clients, determines eligibility, evaluates matters for acceptance, prepares legal documents, gathers and evaluates evidence, conducts research, investigates facts, develops case strategies, and represents clients in appropriate forums. The attorney also maintains case files and required documentation, collaborates with clients and partners, participates in organizational activities, and assists in engaging private attorneys to serve eligible clients.

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

Requirements

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree