This week we’re focusing on entry-level attorney positions with organizations that provide services and support to survivors of domestic violence. As experts recommend social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, more people are staying indoors. For some individuals and families, staying home is not the safest option and may lead to an increase in abuse experienced at the hands of intimate partners and family members.

If you or a loved one is experiencing or has experienced domestic violence, please contact national or local support services, such as the National Domestic Violence hotline (1-800-799-7233, 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)).

If you are interested in serving survivors of domestic violence, check out these entry-level attorney opportunities:

Family Violence Law Center (Oakland, CA)

The Family Violence Law Center (FVLC) advocates for justice and healthy relationships to help survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Alameda County. FVLC staff provide free legal and crisis intervention services as well as prevention education for youth and community members.

FVLC seeks a bilingual domestic violence staff attorney to provide trauma-informed civil legal services. The ideal candidate will have experience with family law, have knowledge of issues related to sexual assault and domestic violence, and be bilingual in English and Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, or Vietnamese.

Follow this link to learn more.

Montana Legal Services Association (Helena or Missoula, MT)

The Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) is the only statewide provider of free civil legal services to low-income residents. MLSA’s clientele includes American Indians living in reservations throughout Montana. MLSA attorneys provide advice, counsel and representation to clients and advocate across the state on poverty law issues.

MLSA seeks attorneys to represent survivors of family and sexual violence in rural Montana communities and on American Indian reservations. Ideal candidates will have experience in family law, poverty law, and Indian law.

Follow this link to learn more.

Prairie State Legal Services, Inc. (Rockford, IL)

Prairie State Legal Services (PSLS) is a civil legal aid organization serving 36 counties throughout northern and central Illinois. PSLS’s Domestic Violence Victim Services project provides legal assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Services include obtaining protective/restraining orders and assisting on legal issues that address consequences of victimization.

PSLS seeks a staff attorney to join the Domestic Violence Victim Services team. The attorney will be responsible for interviewing clients and assessing their needs, engaging with service providers, providing legal services, and communicating with police and prosecutors to advocate for clients. Ideal candidates will have experience with litigation and negotiation and will be committed to aiding victims of domestic violence.

Follow this link to learn more.

Safe Horizon (Queens, NY)

Safe Horizon is a national victim assistance organization serving more than 250,000 people affected by crime and abuse each year. Safe Horizon provides practical services, legal representation, and support services to help their clients tell their stories, seek justice, and feel safe.

Safe Horizon seeks a staff attorney to provide representation to domestic violence victims in family matters. The ideal candidate will have experience in family law and crisis intervention and be deeply committed to social justice, community empowerment, and racial justice.

Follow this link to learn more.

Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (Corpus Christi, TX)

Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (TRLA) is the largest legal aid provider in Texas. TRLA provides free civil legal aid to residents in 68 Southwest Texas counties, represents farm workers in 7 southern states, and operates public defender programs in 10 Texas counties.

TRLA seeks a staff attorney to join its Domestic Violence/Family Law Team. Using trauma-informed methods, the staff attorney will represent survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The ideal candidate will be fluent in Spanish and have experience working with survivors of trauma.

Follow this link to learn more.

Virginia Legal Aid Society (Suffolk, VA)

The Virginia Legal Aid Society (VLAS) provides information, advice, and representation in civil cases to low-income clients. One of its many projects, VLAS’s Domestic Violence Project provides legal assistance to low-income victims of domestic violence and stalking.

VLAS seeks an attorney to join its Domestic Violence Project team. The ideal candidate will have experience working with a civil legal aid organization and have knowledge about the dynamics of domestic violence.

Follow this link to learn more.