Description

The Guardianship Advocacy Program at Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney to provide creative and zealous advocacy to vulnerable seniors and adults facing guardianship.  The program’s attorneys champion the civil and constitutional rights of their clients by providing direct legal representation to these vulnerable adults.  In court, the guardianship attorneys give voice to their clients’ wishes and preferences ensuring those wishes are considered in matters affecting all aspects of their lives.  The Staff Attorney position is not just a desk job.  Over the course of a case, the attorney will be responsible for interviewing their client at the client’s residence, meeting with interested parties, negotiating with opposing counsel, conducting discovery, and representing the client in court.  The attorney’s representation continues throughout the life of the guardianship.  When an issue arises, the attorney is there to protect the client’s interests.  The entire guardianship team is available to provide thoughtful mentoring and guidance, but each Staff Attorney leads their own cases.  

The Guardianship Advocacy Program, which started in 2018 and has grown to 17 full-time attorneys, is the first and only practice of its kind in the United States and is a model to which other states in the country look for inspiration.  The program’s attorneys have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge legal representation to protect the most vulnerable members of the community.  In addition to direct client representation and extensive courtroom advocacy, the attorneys also have the opportunity to advocate for statutory reforms and develop working relationships with policymakers and stakeholders around the state.

Requirements

Preferred Experience and Skills

The ideal candidate is committed to public interest law and community service and has the desire to work with and zealously advocate for our clients. While some litigation experience is helpful, no prior experience is necessary as Legal Aid Center provides extensive training. The ability to speak Spanish is always beneficial. The candidate must be a licensed attorney in good standing from any United States jurisdiction (Nevada offers special licensing for attorneys relocating to Nevada to provide legal services through Legal Aid Center.)

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary range is $70,000 to $100,000 depending on experience, with annual increases available. Our excellent benefits start on date of hire and include:

100% employer-paid health insurance for an employee, spouse/domestic partner, and dependents up to 26 years old,
Loan repayment assistance, which usually pays the entire student loan payment,
403(b) match dollar-for-dollar up to 5% of an employee's salary after 12 months of employment,
12 weeks paid parental leave after 12 months of employment,
Generous paid time off policy,
Flex work options, and
Reasonable relocation benefits