Utah Legal Services - Domestic Staff Attorney

Job Summary

Domestic staff attorneys at Utah Legal Services provide ethical and competent legal representation and client support services to clients from low income and disadvantaged communities across the state of Utah. As a member of the Family Law task force, domestic staff attorneys help victims of domestic violence with protective orders, divorce, custody and parentage cases and stalking injunctions. They help secure safety and security for our clients and their children.

Domestic attorneys attend hearings and court proceedings, and are responsible for negotiation, document preparation and filing, and superior case management to achieve optimal outcomes for clients.

 Key Accountabilities

Client Support

·         Communicate with clients to determine eligibility and goals, present legal strategies and possible outcomes to clients to develop legal action plan; assess factual situations, advise client on how governing laws impact their situation.

·         Review cases with clients, prepare clients for hearings and legal procedures.

·         Advocate for clients, advise on rights and responsibilities, and provide updates on developments and case status.

Court Administration and Hearings

·         Attend hearings, court proceedings and mediations and present legal arguments to the court representing clients as an advocate.

·         Represent clients, negotiate possible settlements, mitigate consequences to clients, in court and online, during non-evidentiary hearings, case management conferences and pre-trial hearings.

Document Preparation

·         Prepare, draft, edit and file court documents to implement client goals.

·         Ensure copies of court documents are provided to opposing counsel.

·         Prepare pleadings, exhibits, motions, memorandum, discovery documents, motions, responses, briefs, petitions and counter petitions as needed for case progression and resolution.

·         Review paralegal prepared documents, declarations, and other pleadings; ensure document compliance with grantees and regulatory governing bodies.

Case Management

·         Manage, organize and strategically review case action.

·         Research records, databases, rules, regulations and state and federal statutes and laws; provide analysis and summaries to support case progression.

·         Review cases for merit and gather information to inform the case acceptance committee.

·         Update case progression, close cases and ensure casework meets the compliance requirements for Legal Services Corporation.

Administrative Duties

·         Attend trainings and Task Force meetings; complete appropriate CLEs.

·         Maintain good standing with the Utah Bar Association.

 Skills and Abilities

·         Excellent interpersonal abilities, verbal and written communication skills.

·         High level of adaptability, attention to detail, strong analytic and critical thinking abilities.

·         Demonstration of a strong commitment to assisting individuals from disadvantaged communities.

·         Professional experience in Domestic/Family law and an active Utah State Bar license.

·         Spanish speaking preferred.

Education

·         Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

·         Juris Doctorate degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.

·         Admission and Good Standing within the Utah State Bar Association.

Job Compensation and Location

·         Starting hourly rate of $28.85/DOE

·         Including an excellent medical/dental/vision benefits package, employer matching 403b contributions, generous time off (21 paid days annually and 13 federal/state holidays), life insurance, paid family/medical leave, flexible scheduling and remote/hybrid work opportunities.

·         ULS currently has two positions available, one in our Ogden office and one in our St. George office. This job is eligible for remote work, but will include in-person representation of clients in regional district courts within assigned jurisdiction.

 Job Factors/Physical Requirements

·         Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk working on a computer.

 Supervisory Responsibilities

·         None

 Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume, a list of three professional references, including their contact information, and a letter of application explaining your interest in the position and how you would contribute to the professional culture of ULS. Applications should be submitted by email to: lthurgood@utahlegalservices.org.