Widener University Delaware Law School is currently seeking a Staff Attorney for a two-year fellowship, directly reporting to the Executive Director of DVLS. This position is primarily responsible for providing legal advance, counsel, and representation to victims of domestic violence in various family law matters. This is a beneficiary position created by the RJH Endowment Fund and is a two-year fellowship that is known as the Holland Fellow. This position is grant funded and contingent upon receiving this funding annually.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential duties:
- Provide court representation for clients in protection from abuse matters, protection from abuse related matters and custody. visitation matters.
- Provide legal advice and counseling to victims of domestic violence who will be representing themselves on navigating the family law system.
- Provide supportive services to victims of domestic violence including legal information and referrals to appropriate social services that may be available.
- Provide mentoring services to DVLS pro bono attorneys on family law matters.
- Assist Recruitment Attorney with training pro bono attorneys.
- Assist Recruitment Attorney with developing and updating pro bono training materials.
Secondary responsibilities:
- Maintain monthly statistical information on the number and types of cases handled, along with the number of court appearances and any other statistics as may be required by grants/funders.
- Ensure compliance with funding requirements.
- Maintain individual contact with organizations to better serve victims of domestic violence and participate in committees dealing with domestic violence reform and issues.
- Maintain accurate time reports and organized case files.
- Provide support to other staff attorneys with litigation and case management.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- J.D. from accredited law school and licensed to practice law in Delaware.
- 1-3 year’s experience in litigation practice.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Must be flexible, work well under pressure, set priorities, and manage time effectively.
- Ability to work with individuals who have experienced trauma or who are in crisis and provide non-judgmental support.
- Demonstrate a desire to work on behalf of victims of domestic violence and their children.
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
Preferred:
- Knowledge of Delaware Family Law.
- Experience in working with victims of domestic violence.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention, and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
