Attorney; Domestic Violence

The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County is a nonprofit charitable law firm dedicated to ensuring equal access to the justice system for the low-income, disadvantaged and traditionally underserved residents of Palm Beach County.

Legal Aid's Domestic Violence Project works within the court system as an advocate for victims of domestic violence in Palm Beach County by providing high quality civil legal consultation and representation of victims in court. “Domestic violence means assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member.”

The Domestic Violence Project attorney will provide legal representation and advocacy to victims of domestic violence in Palm Beach County. This position will be responsible for the preparation and representation of clients in court. Work schedule is hybrid and is generally Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with additional evening or weekend work as required to effectively represent clients.

Travel to courthouses in Palm Beach County is required.

Represents victims in cases involving assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death. Position requires attendance in court, contact with pro se litigants, Supervising Attorney, fellow unit attorneys and paralegals and, when needed contact with the Executive Director and participation in staff activities.

The successful applicant will:

• Represent clients before judicial tribunals in domestic violence matters.
• Conduct interviews with clients at the office or elsewhere.
• Investigate and develop cases, including conducting necessary interviews and discovery.
• Counsel and prepare clients to testify in court.
• Develop specialized skills and knowledge in this area of the law.
• Remain current on new developments in the law and attend training courses which are applicable to Legal Aid domestic violence clients.
• Timely input accurate and complete records and files regarding cases in client database.
• Timely input time and other records as required by funding sources.
• Develop and maintain relationships with the Palm Beach County Bar Association, victim services, and other referral sources.
• Assist in the development and execution of community education projects and activities.
• Serve on community, bar, and county committees where feasible.
• Attend staff and other meetings in the community as assigned.
• Maintain client confidentiality.
• Comply with all agency policies and procedures.
• Work with other staff members to form a positive, supportive team atmosphere.
• Must work the days and hours to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks and be punctual and timely in meeting all performance requirements, including but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines.
• Maintain courteous, professional, and effective working relationships with employees and clients of the organization.
• Assist the Executive Director and/or supervisor with special projects, assignments and any additional duties as deemed appropriate or as needed.

• Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) from A.B.A. accredited law school.
• Spanish speaking preferred, but not mandatory.
• Member of the Florida Bar or pending.
• One or more years of legal experience, or clinical experience.
• Ability to attend court hearings with short notice and work with deadlines.
• Knowledge of applicable statutes and Rules of Procedure.
• Dependability, initiative, motivation, and ability to work independently.
• Strong, positive interpersonal skills to work in a fast paced, busy environment.
• Good judgment and organization.
• Ability to work independently and responsibly.
• High ethical standards.

Salary range depending on experience. Full benefits package in addition to salary includes:

• Vacation leave earnings equal 2.4 weeks a year (beginning the first of the…