About Us

POSITION: Judicare Legal Aid is seeking a full-time staff attorney to serve Native American victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking in Wisconsin. This position can be remote for experienced candidates who live in and around our service area but is otherwise based in office and located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin in the city of Wausau.

The VAWA Project is funded by an OVW Legal Assistance to Victims grant which seeks to provide holistic legal services to income-eligible Native American survivors of domestic and sexual violence and stalking, who may not otherwise receive services. The project began in 2013, and dedicated project staff have helped hundreds of clients with advocacy, legal advice, and legal representation.

*May 2024 graduates are eligible to apply.*

ABOUT US: Judicare Legal Aid is a non-profit organization funded by the federal Legal Services Corporation, the Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation, and other state, local and federal grant sources. Judicare Legal Aid provides civil legal services to low-income persons in the northern 33 counties of Wisconsin, and Native Americans statewide. Judicare Legal Aid’s mission is to provide legal assistance to those who otherwise cannot afford it and our vision is equal justice for all. We are an eligible employer for public interest-based loan forgiveness.

Judicare Legal Aid currently employs around 40 staff including attorneys, legal advocates, paralegals, and other support staff across our Civil and Indian law units. We also emphasize the use of pro bono and Judicare compensated private attorneys to serve clients across rural Northern Wisconsin.

Judicare Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by State or Federal law. Applicants seeking to improve justice in their communities and improving the human condition encouraged to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The VAWA Project Attorney will advise and represent Native American victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking in civil cases. This position requires an interest in learning about and respecting culture, traditions, and judicial system which are unique to each of the eleven federally recognized tribes in Wisconsin. This position will also work closely with tribal and community based advocates to address the legal needs of survivors and victims to collaboratively provide supportive services to empower survivors to create safe and healthy lives for themselves and their children. This position will also supervise the VAWA Legal Advocate who is trained as a tribal lay advocate, which allows her to represent clients in tribal courts. The majority of case work will be in family law but could also include consumer, housing, and public benefits. All staff attorneys are expected to develop and maintain good working relationships with community groups, as well as with state and local bar associations. Between these traditional and non-traditional responsibilities, staff attorneys are expected to work a minimum of 35 hours per week.

REQUIREMENTS:
(1) Demonstrated commitment to justice for low-income communities;
(2) A high degree of initiative and ability to lead and manage a team and caseload;
(3) Strong interpersonal communication skills, sense of humor, and positive attitude;
(4) Interest in thinking creatively about how to address our clients’ legal issues;
(5) Excellent written and verbal advocacy skills; and
(6) A COVID-19 vaccine mandate is currently in place for all employees. A copy of the policy can be requested by emailing info@judicare.org

PREFERENCES:
(1) Admission to Wisconsin Bar (paid time off is available to prepare for the Wisconsin or a tribal bar examination);
(2) Experience working with low-income clients, Native Americans, and/or victims of violence; and
(3) Demonstrated desire to work with persons with a disability, living in poverty, or persons with a minority status or affiliation.

SALARY/BENEFITS: Starting wage depends upon experience, qualifications, and language proficiency, with a minimum starting salary of $63,000. This position includes full fringe benefits, which currently consists of premium free health, dental, life and disability insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with 3% salary match, and vacation and sick time. We are an eligible employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

REIMBURSEMENT FOR RELOCATION EXPENSES: Reimbursement for some relocation expenses may be available.

HOW TO APPLY: Submit resume, references, and letter of interest to:
Mai Bao Vang, Finance/HR Specialist, Judicare Legal Aid.
P.O. Box 6100
Wausau, WI 54402-6100
info@judicare.org