Civil Legal Attorney

Primary Function: Provide legal information, consultation and representation to victims of domestic who are program participants of the Victims Resource Center. Duties and responsibilities will be carried out in Luzerne and Wyoming County.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Provide civil representation to program participants in civil matters such as, child custody, child support, divorce, spousal support, housing, unemployment issues and immigration issues. Representation may include, but not be limited to, interviews, filings, court appearances, trials, and all necessary subsequent litigation such as contempt petitions and appeals.
2. Represent and advocate for petitioners in civil and criminal contempt cases.
3. Refer program participants to community-based services as needed.
4. Support a holistic approach to serving victims of domestic violence by coordinating with VRC advocates for supportive services to best meet the needs of the victims.
5. Provide consultation to VRC staff  
6. Assist in program evaluation planning and implementation for the CLR project.
7. Build and maintain strong working relationships with advocates while always working collaboratively to serve program participants.
8. Establish a pro bono network of attorneys to represent domestic violence victims in Luzerne and Wyoming County
9. Participate in the Domestic Violence Attorney Network that is sponsored by PCADV.
10. Participate in training advocates, CYS workers, law enforcement, judges and court personnel on domestic violence issues including the systemic barriers that inhibit a victim from escaping the abuse.
11. Conduct ongoing systems advocacy to improve the response to victims in all relevant systems including the community, law enforcement, courts, law profession, and social service organizations.
12. Litigate in precedent-setting cases at the trial level and on appeal, including developing litigation strategy, performing legal research, and drafting briefs.
13. Maintain appropriate files, records and reports according to legal standards and as required by funding sources.
14. Other responsibilities as required to further the legal and justice issues of the person being served.

STAFF ATTORNEY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Law degree from an accredited law school and license to practice law in Pennsylvania.
• At least one year of family law preferred.
• Applicant must successfully complete a minimum of 40 hours of VRC’s domestic violence training.
• Travel is necessary and access to reliable transportation is essential, including for training and development which may necessitate being out of the area for a period of time and overnight stays.
• Pass Act 33, Act 34 and Federal Clearances.
• Must be willing to schedule working hours to coincide with the priorities of the Center.

Victims Resource Center has been serving the community since 1974. VRC is a vital non-profit organization providing non-judgmental support and services to victims of violence, their families and significant others throughout Luzerne, Wyoming and Carbon Counties. Additionally, VRC provides a wide variety of prevention education programs. All programs and services of VRC are confidential and offered at no cost.