Program Attorney - Legal Service Department

UMOS • Milwaukee, WI

20d • Onsite

About The Position

The Program Attorney provides trauma-informed legal counsel and representation to clients affected by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking. The role represents clients in family-law and related court proceedings, including custody, divorce, protective orders, restraining orders, and other legal remedies, as well as in affirmative immigration matters such as U visas and VAWA petitions. The attorney assesses clients’ legal needs, explains rights and options, conducts legal research, and keeps current on relevant laws and developments while protecting attorney-client privilege and observing professional ethical standards.

The attorney coordinates with law enforcement, social services agencies, community organizations, and interdisciplinary professionals when appropriate and at the client’s direction. The position also provides referrals to other support services and participates in community outreach and education about survivors’ legal rights and available resources. The attorney consults with the Vice President of Social Services and UMOS General Counsel as needed, attends meetings and conferences, and performs workshops, special projects, and other related duties as assigned.

The role requires a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, active Wisconsin State Bar membership, and registration and authorization to appear before the U.S. Executive Office of Immigration Review, or willingness to obtain it. The attorney must be willing to focus on family law, travel, and occasionally work irregular hours. Reliable transportation is required; employees driving their own vehicles must maintain a valid driver’s license and adequate auto liability insurance. The position involves office work, frequent driving, occasional lifting or moving of up to 30 pounds, and working in a generally controlled-temperature environment with quiet-to-moderate noise. Reasonable accommodations will be considered. Employment is contingent on successful completion of a criminal background and driver-license check before starting.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the State Bar of Wisconsin and registration and authorization to appear before the U.S. Executive Office of Immigration Review, or willingness to obtain it.
• Willingness to focus on family law.
• Ability to travel and occasionally work irregular hours.
• Reliable transportation.
• If driving a personal vehicle, a valid driver’s license and adequate auto liability insurance must be maintained.

Nice To Haves

• At least two years of family-law experience; experience working with survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking is strongly preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Experience advocating for diverse clients, including survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking; limited-English speakers; and racial or ethnic minority groups.
• Experience using case database software.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed legal counsel and representation to clients affected by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking.
• Represent clients in court proceedings and petitions involving custody, divorce, protective orders, restraining orders, and other legal remedies stemming from abuse.
• Represent clients in affirmative immigration matters, including U visas and VAWA petitions.
• Assess clients’ legal needs.
• Educate clients about their rights and legal options so they can make informed decisions.
• Conduct legal research and analysis.
• Stay current on laws, regulations, and legal developments affecting survivors.
• Maintain attorney-client privilege in handling client information and communications.
• Collaborate as needed with law enforcement, social services agencies, and community organizations to coordinate support.
• Refer clients to additional support services, such as counseling, housing assistance, and financial resources.
• Participate in community outreach and education about survivors’ legal rights and available resources.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including medical professionals, therapists, and advocates, if directed by the client.
• Uphold ethical standards and professional responsibilities.
• Consult as needed with the Vice President of Social Services and UMOS General Counsel about referrals or cases, and communicate issues that arise.
• Attend meetings, conferences, and workshops, and perform special projects and other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid time off that increases with years of service.
• 15 paid holidays annually.
• Health, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Option to establish a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account.
• Employee assistance program.
• Retirement plan options, including a 401(k) and Roth IRA.
• UMOS annually contributes at least 3% of eligible compensation for employees participating in the 401(k) Retirement Plan.
• Incentive pay of up to $3,000 during the first year of employment.

What This Job Offers

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