Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma - Staff Attorney

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. (LASO) is a statewide, non-profit law firm that is committed to ensuring access to justice for all Oklahomans. LASO is seeking a staff attorney in our Oklahoma City Law Office.

This position will be in partnership with Oklahoma Veterans United and their Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program to assist veterans and their family members with their legal needs. Referrals to LASO attorneys will originate from SSVF. SSVF serves homeless veterans or those at risk.

This attorney will also provide legal assistance and representation to tenants facing eviction in Oklahoma County.

This position will assist SSVF referrals with overcoming challenges to housing and employment problems and concerns that stem from their social and environmental circumstances. This position will assist in removing legal obstacles in obtaining and maintaining stable housing, work, family and economic stability, and access to justice.

Many of these obstacles involve difficulties in obtaining needed identification, housing, family stabilization issues, benefits, and discrimination.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris doctorate from a certified law school.
• Oklahoma Bar membership or eligibility to take and pass the next Oklahoma Bar exam.

LEGAL ADVOCACY

This staff attorney will assist with a broad range of civil legal services. This attorney will provide counsel and advice as well as full representation of eligible clients referred by SSVF. This attorney will also assist the housing team in advising and representing clients facing eviction in Oklahoma County.

Areas of legal advocacy include housing, family, consumer, employment, and disability law.

Excluded services included

Criminal cases, personal injury, malpractice, worker’s compensation, traffic violations, private pension cases, and representation of landlords in eviction matters.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Provide high quality legal assistance to eligible clients.

· Provide training to SSVF staff on LASO referral protocols.

· Provide training to SSVF employees and clients on listed topics.

· Perform intake interviews for applicants and assist in screening of clients for eligibility for full representation.

· Support, promote, and participate in community education, outreach and developing good public relations with SSVF.

· Treat clients with respect and show true empathy.

· Maintain a caseload commensurate with abilities and caseload difficulty.

· Comply with all applicable regulations, policies and grant requirements.

· Maintain the highest ethical standards as a member of the State Bar and stay current with updates and changes to the law.

· Ensure that all applicable client files, data and reports are accurate and complete.

· Demonstrate knowledge and expertise of the law and legal system.

· Embrace and support the Organization’s overall mission, standards, policies and procedures, and confidentiality guidelines.

· Perform other duties and projects as required by management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Strong interpersonal skills: able to work well with a wide range of people.

· Strong legal research skills

· Strong ability to prepare for and present evidence at trial.

· Strong organizational and time management skills.

· Demonstrate dependability through good attendance and adherence to timelines and schedules.

· Good follow through.

· Good analytical skills.

· Good problem-solving skills.

· Demonstrate resourcefulness and ability to take initiative in development and completion of projects.

· Able and willing to continue professional development.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This work is sedentary and requires the following physical activities:

· Sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending, squatting, kneeling, stooping; good finger dexterity and feeling; frequent repetitive motions; ability to speak and hear; or the ability to perform essential job functions with reasonable accommodation.

· Frequent lifting (up to 10 pounds of paper supplies or minor office equipment).

· Driving to client locations, court, and other sites as needed.

APPLICATIONS

Submit your resume and optional cover letter by email to [email protected].

LASO is committed to equal employment opportunities for all. LASO is committed to hiring the most qualified applicants.

LASO is committed to compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws.

Job Type

Full-time

Pay: $52,500.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person