Attorney - Child Advocacy Unit

Staff Attorney (Child Advocacy Department)
Company: Northern Nevada Legal Aid (NNLA)
Location: Reno, NV
Position: Full-Time

Why Join Our Team?

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact through legal advocacy while building a long-term career? Northern Nevada Legal Aid is searching for a driven and compassionate attorney to join our Child Advocacy team and help transform the lives of children in our community. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of abused and neglected children by giving them a voice in the legal system. If you truly love working with children of all ages and want to dedicate yourself to their well-being, NNLA offers a supportive environment where you can grow with us. Seize the chance to be part of our mission to bring justice to those who need it most not just for today, but for years to come!

About Us:

Welcome to Northern Nevada Legal Aid (NNLA), formerly known as Washoe Legal Services! Since 1965, we’ve been on a mission to ensure that justice isn’t just a privilege for the few, but a right for all. As a proud 501(c)(3) non-profit, we advocate for Northern Nevada’s most vulnerable populations. Think domestic violence survivors, abused and neglected children, the elderly, and immigrants in distress. Through our dedicated Child Advocacy Department, we provide court-appointed representation to children in foster care, making sure their rights are protected and their voices are heard in court. We take pride in creating a positive, meaningful workplace where passionate professionals can build long-term careers serving our community.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary Range: $69,160 – $72,800, depending on experience (DOE)
• Benefits: 13 paid holidays annually
• Generous PTO program (accrue up to 24 days per year, with increased accrual after 2 years)
• 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance; 75% of dependents’ premiums covered
• 401(k) matching program
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account
• Full-time, 35-hour work week promoting work-life balance
• Remote/hybrid work options available upon approval (after training)

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Client Representation: Serve as the court-appointed attorney for children in abuse and neglect (dependency) cases. Establish and maintain a trusting, confidential attorney-client relationship with each child, including regular in-person visits and ongoing communication throughout the case to understand their wishes and needs.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with a team of caseworkers, therapists, teachers, foster parents, and other professionals involved in each child’s life to advocate for the child’s best interests. Collaborate with these partners to achieve timely resolution of cases and stability in the child’s living situation.
• Court and Legal Proceedings: Represent child clients in all court proceedings (both remote and in-person as required), ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected. Prepare and file necessary legal documents such as petitions, motions, and appeals to advance each child’s case and secure safe, permanent outcomes.
• Crisis Intervention: Respond promptly to emergencies or urgent situations involving your child clients, providing immediate legal counsel and taking any necessary action to protect their safety and legal rights.
• Mediation and Negotiation: Engage in negotiations or mediation with other parties (for example, parents’ attorneys or social service agencies) to reach solutions that prioritize the child’s welfare whenever possible.
• Community Engagement and Advocacy: Attend outreach events and build relationships with community partners to promote NNLA’s services and the rights of children. Serve as a resource in the community for child welfare issues, and advocate for improvements in policies affecting the children we represent.
• Documentation and Record Keeping: Maintain accurate, detailed case files for each client. Document all interactions, court hearings, and outcomes to ensure compliance with legal standards and to support effective, continuous advocacy on behalf of the child.

Qualifications:

• Bar Admission: Must be a member of the Nevada Bar, or possess an active, good-standing bar license in any U.S. jurisdiction (eligible for Nevada practice under SCR 49.1), or have recently taken the Nevada bar exam and are awaiting results.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially when explaining legal concepts to children in an age appropriate manner.
• Interpersonal Skills: Must genuinely enjoy working with children of all ages, and be able to build trust and rapport with young clients. Strong relationship building skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team are essential.
• Empathy and Attitude: An empathetic communicator with a patient, positive attitude. You should have the compassion and patience to listen to children and advocate for their expressed wishes.
• Case Management: Ability to manage multiple cases efficiently and stay organized. Must be willing to travel locally as needed to meet with children in foster homes, schools, or other locations, and to attend court hearings in person when required.
• Passion and Commitment: A genuine passion for child advocacy and NNLA’s mission to serve vulnerable communities, with a commitment to making a lasting impact in the lives of the children we serve. We are seeking an attorney who views this role not just as a job, but as a long-term calling.
• Initiative and Independence: Strong organizational skills with the ability to take initiative and work independently, while knowing when to seek guidance.
• Experience: Previous experience working with children (especially those who have experienced trauma or are in foster care) is highly valued. Experience in a legal aid, public interest, or child welfare setting is a plus (preferred but not required).

Location:

• This position is Hybrid with some on-site requirements at NNLA’s main office (299 S. Arlington Ave, Reno), conveniently located between the Downtown and Midtown districts. Regular in-person interaction with clients (children) in the community is a key part of this role.

How to Apply:

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to Career@nnlegalaid.org. No telephone calls please. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Diversity Statement:

NNLA is an ADA/Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to empowering vulnerable individuals and communities through the expansion of access to legal justice in Northern Nevada. Individuals of diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply. Please visit www.nnlegalaid.org for more information about our organization and current opportunities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $69,160.00 - $72,800.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Reno, NV 89501

Salary : $69,160 - $72,800