During this current situation with COVID-19, the ABA will
continue to accept and process applications for job opportunities.  We
will conduct our recruitment process via alternative means (virtual interviews)
for the time being.

The ABA recruits employees seeking opportunities for challenging and substantive work defending liberty and pursuing justice in the U.S. and around the world.  The ABA offers competitive employment benefits which include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k), commuter benefits, and more.

Job Summary/General Purpose of Job

This attorney will conduct substantive child welfare legal work for the Center on Children and the Law’s grant funded projects in the Kinship Program Area and the Legal Representation Program Area. This attorney will provide technical assistance with state courts, lawyers, child welfare agency staff and other stakeholders to improve the quality of legal representation all parties receive in the child welfare system, to implement policies related to kinship care.

The ABA recruits employees seeking opportunities for challenging and substantive work defending liberty and pursuing justice in the U.S. and around the world.  The ABA offers competitive employment benefits which include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k), commuter benefits, and more.

 

The ABA Center on Children and the Law is seeking to fill a new Staff Attorney 2 position as part of our Kinship and Legal Representation project areas. This attorney will conduct substantive child welfare legal work for the Center’s grant funded projects. The role will include provision of technical assistance with state courts, lawyers, child welfare agency staff and other stakeholders to improve the quality of legal representation all parties receive in the child welfare system, to implement policies related to kinship care, KINGAP, Tttle IVE reimbursement for legal representation and related topics, and to influence practice change throughout the country.

 

 

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent)

Limit five, plus “other duties as assigned”.   Only list core duties and responsibilities for the position; each should comprise 15% or more of the role.  Include language to help define level of accountability for each duty/responsibility listed.  For example: reviews and approves, leads, completes under general direction, works independently.  Do not include tasks, or performance expectations. 

Advises on substantive child welfare law topics and make policy and practice recommendations as part of national project work.

Trains on child welfare law and public policy topics, facilitate stakeholder groups, design and deliver child welfare law content.

Manages substantive legal representation and kinship projects.

Analyzes laws, regulations, court rules and policies/policy proposals; prepare memoranda of law; advises on public policy; provide legal guidance; provide and deliver content for online learning experiences.

Advise on child welfare law topics and make policy and practice recommendations as part of national project work. Includes contacts with government entities in state and federal government as well as extensive collaboration with other national legal organizations and partners.

Give presentations and trainings on child welfare law and public policy topics, facilitate stakeholder groups, design and deliver child welfare law content.

Manage substantive projects. Work directly with State and tribal Court Improvement Projects (CIP), state and tribal judges, lawyers, social workers and kin providers. Coordinate or support regional groups and constituency groups of child welfare stakeholders.

Analyze laws, regulations, court rules and policies/policy proposals; prepare memoranda of law; advise on public policy; provide legal guidance; provide and deliver content for online learning experiences.

Work on policy and practice related to engagement of people with lived expertise in the system, including parents, young people who were in foster care and kinship caregivers.

Assist with co-managing and updating the kinship website, www.grandfamilies.org.

Supervised by a Senior Attorney and may supervise more junior attorneys and/or other staff.

Performs other related duties as required.

 

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

Only include job eligibility requirements.  If “equivalent experience” may apply in lieu of education or qualifications it must be described to include the years and type of experience that may satisfy the education or qualifications equivalency.

JD and admission to the bar in at least one jurisdiction. At least 5 years working in relevant specialized area of law. High level of skills in legal writing and research, oral and written communications, and organizational skills. Substantial experience in child welfare law and policy analysis.

 

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

Experience representing parents and kin in the child welfare system strongly preferred.

 

Other details

• 
  Pay Type Salary
• 
  Position based in the Washington DC office
• 
  Travel up to 20% time
• 
  Required Education Doctorate

 

Applicants are encouraged to describe applicable experience in a cover letter as part of resume submission.

 

The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association please call 312-988-5188.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, IL, IN, DC, MD, VA, and TX.  Residency requirements may apply. 

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