Staff Attorney Direct Representation

Job purpose

Child Advocates, Inc. champions children and families throughout Indiana by advocating for access to justice and equity and fostering well-being for children. Under this mission, Child Advocates represents youth aged 10 and older who are involved in the Indiana child welfare system. Attorneys provide client-directed, or expressed interest, representation in multiple counties throughout the state, accepting referrals from youth requesting counsel. Child Advocates works with the Notre Dame Lab for Economic Opportunity on a research program examining the benefits of attorney representation for youth 12 and older in certain counties.  

Child Advocates is seeking an experienced and passionate attorney who works independently on cases and is able to travel to Indiana counties representing youth. This is a grant funded position. The applying individual must have knowledge regarding child development and how trauma affects the brain, the Indiana child welfare system, and available DCS services. Prior experience working with youth is preferred. 

 Duties and responsibilities

• Provide expressed interest representation to youth 10 and older throughout Indiana. 
• Work independently on cases, evaluating issues and arguments to be presented to the Judge and other parties. 
• Maintain organization of multiple cases and clients, with good communication skills. 
• Provide legal advice to children in a way they can understand. 
• Prepare and submit legal pleadings on behalf of clients. 
• Create and/or coordinate the writing of appellate briefs as needed.
• Track future court dates and find coverage if needed. 
• Maintain consistent communication with the child’s DCS team. 
• Work with a legal support advocate and paralegal when appropriate. 
• Attend Child and Family Team meetings when legal issues or other important topics may be discussed. 
• Assist in training as requested.
• Provide input, advice on systemic issues involving relationships with staff, DCS, Public Defenders, courts, and the service provider community.

 Qualifications 

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school, admitted to practice law in Indiana and in good standing;
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in area of child welfare, juvenile delinquency, or family law.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Knowledge of the Indiana Statutes concerning children in need of services (CHINS) and the termination of parental rights (TPR).
• Knowledge of national trends, positions of the ABA, NACC and various other organizations regarding the representation of children.  Familiarity with litigation pertaining to counsel for children in Indiana and nationwide. 
• Analyze complex problems to guide and encourage resolutions.
• Ability to abide by client’s wishes regardless of personal opinions. 
• Preventively recognize other relevant legal issues such as immigration, death benefits, and name changes.

• Ability to provide respect and understanding of cultural, racial, religious, socio-economic and other issues of diversity.

• Ability to work independently and efficiently while managing a high-volume of cases.
• Commitment to Child Advocates’ goals and mission.
• Knowledge and skill in computer use. 

Working conditions 

This job operates in a professional office environment on a hybrid schedule. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and fax machines. 

Physical requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee may be required to stand, walk, use hands, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms. 

Travel will be required across the state. A valid driver’s license and insured vehicle are required. 

Direct reports 

None

Child Advocates, Inc. is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Child Advocates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.