Family Law Attorney (Entry-Level)

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non-profit organization established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland, Oregon. Our mission is to welcome, serve and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Find out more at www.irco.org.   

POSITION:                                  Family Law Attorney (Entry-Level)

JOB CLASS/GRADE:                  Assistant Manager / Specialist 5; Grade 4

WAGE:                                         Starting at $66,120 per year

FLSA; EEO; WC:                         Exempt; Professional; 8864

LOCATIONS:                              IRCO - PIAFC 8040 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213, Hybrid schedule

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS:                1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Regular

NUMBER OF POSITIONS:       (1)

APPLY AT:                                  www.irco.org 

STATUS:                                     Full-Time with Benefits

PROGRAM(S):                           Legal Services

SECTOR:                                     Legal Services 

REQUIREMENTS:

Juris Doctorate, licensed to practice law in Oregon and in good standing

Must possess a valid driver’s license, have verification of current 

auto insurance and have full use of automobile during work hours

Must be able to pass extensive Background Check

This job announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Program Summary
The mission of the IRCO Legal Services team is to provide direct legal services to our most vulnerable community members. We are a multidisciplinary team of Immigration Law, Disability Law, and Family Law attorney units, and we emphasize these areas of law because they present the greatest needs, and representation can have the most impact for vulnerable Oregonians. Our attorneys collaborate with and receive mentorship from attorneys with diverse specialties, credentials, and experiences across these disciplines.

Position Summary
The Family Law Attorney will provide direct family legal services to the immigrant and refugee community, focusing on immigrant and refugee survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking. Direct legal services include legal consultations, brief limited legal services, and full-scope legal representation.

The Family Law Attorney will be formally employed by IRCO and supervised by both IRCO and St. Andrew Legal Clinic (SALC) staff as part of a partnership to deliver culturally competent, survivor-focused family law services to immigrant and refugee survivors of violent crimes. The Family Law Attorney will report to the IRCO Legal Services Sector Manager for program implementation duties and the SALC Managing Attorney for direct legal services.

This is a dynamic position for a lawyer interested in honing their expertise in issues arising from the intersection of family and immigration law. This position offers an opportunity to be mentored by well-established attorneys from both IRCO and SALC and work with a diverse group of collaborative attorneys committed to access to justice. 

Essential Functions

• Provide legal consultations and brief limited legal services or full-scope representation to survivors of domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking in family law matters arising from or related to the abuse. Case types will include protection orders, dissolution of marriage, custody and parenting time, establishment of paternity, child support, spousal support modification, and enforcement of judgment.
• Maintain accurate and detailed case records, including client information, case notes, court documents, etc. on IRCO’s and SALC’s case management software in compliance with any standards set by IRCO, SALC, regulatory bodies, and family law industry standards.
• Provide trauma-informed services to clients to keep them informed regarding their legal matter and their legal rights
• Support the Legal Services Sector Manager to establish a standard operating procedure for the Family Law Services program, including effective and efficient procedures for screening, consultations, legal services agreements, case management, incoming and outgoing mail, and case closing
• Contribute to conversations about the impact of family law services with private and public funders. Work with the Legal Services Sector Manager to support proposals made to various funders. 

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school 
• A minimum of 2 years of experience as a legal assistant / law clerk / paralegal in family law is required; preference will be given to candidates with at least 1 year of experience as a family law attorney.
• Licensure with the Oregon State Bar
• Trauma Informed Care: Ability to utilize trauma-informed practices in providing compassionate representation to community members
• Strong attention to detail: Demonstrated ability to review and process complex information accurately, identify inconsistencies, and ensure all documentation and filings are complete, compliant, and timely
• Legal Research: Skilled in identifying relevant statutes, regulations, and case law; synthesizing complex legal information; and preparing well-organized summaries to support legal strategy and client advocacy
• Case management: Proficient in managing multiple cases simultaneously by maintaining organized records, tracking deadlines, prioritizing tasks, and coordinating with supervisors, intake staff, and/or legal assistants to ensure effective and efficient service delivery
• Additional language is preferred, especially Spanish

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• Communication: Regular communication inside and outside the organization to exchange ideas and gather information
• Creativity: Regular need for the development of new processes and procedures or the redesign of interrelated processes and procedures is needed
• Mental: There is an occasional need to assess risks as well as to make determinations about tasks and deadlines
• Physical: Positions at this level require minimal physical effort such as light lifting, carrying or movement, etc. Physical capability involves use of office or equipment where some agility and hand eye coordination is needed
• Impact and Influence: Positions at this level have some need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or make decisions on the information. Positions at this level have some impact to and influence on organization operations, programs, expense or budgetary outcomes
• Work Independence: Positions at this level are expected to handle regularly assigned work which includes making decisions and taking action under limited supervision. New or unusual work is performed with a moderate degree of supervision, assistance, and review.
• Planning: Positions at this level must consider own work and work of others. Planning processes will include determination of issues or obstacles and preferred courses of action. Ability to forecast for the near future (six to twelve months) is required.
• Environment: This level has a work environment that is well protected, with virtually no hazards or obstacles.  There is very little element of personal risk or hazard.  Job conditions are stable, usually well managed, and very comfortable.
• Schedule: The work schedule is mostly stable and does not fluctuate without prior notice.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions, or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers.

What We Offer

IRCO is a very employee-friendly workplace and offers great benefit package to our staff:

• Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
• Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world
• Work that helps your community 
• 3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year 
• 401k match of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting 
• 3% match for student loans or college savings 
• 12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
• Medical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles
• Employer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance 
• Flexible spending account

Required Engagement 

Engage fully in recommended professional development, as well as other assigned or required training activities. This engagement can also include participation in optional activities that embrace IRCO’s mission, vision, and values based initiatives. 

How To Apply

1. Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.  
2. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers.  
3. For questions about this position, please email jobs@irco.org

Please note that physical applications are accessible from IRCO’s main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR 97220. Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact applicants or return calls regarding applications. Complete applications should include a cover letter, resume, and IRCO application. 

IRCO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any characteristics protected by law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.