Staff Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview :

The position will serve clients in our Omaha service areas. REACH Initiative attorneys will bring legal services to communities in Nebraska by providing a range of civil legal services to low-income victims of domestic violence, elder abuse, and exploitation. The attorneys will travel regularly within our Omaha service areas to establish and maintain community partnerships, conduct community education, and provide quality civil legal services.

Essential Functions

Handles a caseload : evaluates potential cases to determine acceptance and extent of representation; identifies and gathers other information to assist in determining case acceptance; formulates legal opinions and recommendations based on investigation, interviews and legal research; represents clients in all aspects of their cases, including, but not limited to preparation of pleadings, research, discovery, negotiations, settlement, litigation and appeal, if appropriate and approved; educates clients regarding their legal options and the consequences of each, as well as processes and procedures involved in representing the clients' interests.

Follows the procedures laid out in Legal Aid's Advocates' Manual.

Maintains knowledge of the current developments in the various substantive areas of law as they affect Legal Aid's clients and the client community, in which the individual attorney practices.

Correctly applies and complies with policies, procedures and mission statement and assists in implementing firm goals.

Complies with LSC Regulations and record keeping in all the cases the individual attorney handles and activities in which the individual attorney is involved.

Coordinate meetings and collaborate with our grant partners.

Performs such other duties as are assigned by Supervising Attorney or management.

Supervision of Support Staff

Supervise paralegals and coordinate schedules, coverage and work assignments in consultation with the Children & Family Unit attorneys.

Approve Paylocity, time off requests and reimbursements.

Perform annual evaluations of paralegals in consultation with attorney staff.

Act as liaison between paralegals and attorneys as needed.

Assist in training and professional development needs of the Housing Unit paralegals.

Supervise para clerks or para internships.

Key Performance Indicators

Satisfy Grant Requirements :

Check monthly totals to ensure we are complying with grant requirements.

Provide annual information regarding compliance with grant.

Client Satisfaction :

Request client feedback and obtain satisfactory responses.

Legal Research and Writing :

Ensure timeliness and quality of legal research and brief writing.

Minimize errors or revisions in legal documents.

Case Load Management :

Maintain full caseload of extended representation cases.

Meet case deadlines and client expectations.

Time Management :

Use effective time management to balance multiple cases and tasks.

Meet project deadlines and court schedules.

Legal Knowledge :

Continuing legal education and staying up to date with changes in laws and regulations.

Team Collaboration :

Collaboration with other attorneys and support staff.

Respond to internal communication and teamwork.

Compliance and Ethics :

Adherence to ethical standards and legal requirements.

Avoidance of ethics violations or malpractice issues.

Efficiency and Cost Management :

Contribution to cost-effective case management.

Reduction of unnecessary expenses while maintaining quality.

Client Education :

Educating clients on legal options, risks, and strategies.

Ensuring clients have a clear understanding of their legal matters.

Litigation Skills :

Continue to improve litigation skills, including negotiation, deposition, and trial abilities.

Success in adversarial proceedings.

Feedback and Performance Reviews :

Participation in regular performance evaluations and feedback sessions.

Addressing areas for improvement and setting goals for growth.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and multifunction printers.

Travel

Must travel to court in Douglas and Sarpy Counties

Education and Experience

Successful applicants will have good research, writing, litigation, and communication skills. Successful applicants will also have a demonstrated interest or experience in advancing equal justice for all. Must be admitted to Nebraska bar or out-of-state bar with pending waiver application to Nebraska bar.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.