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About Monsoon: Monsoon Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity is a culturally-specific organization serving victims/survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and gender-related homicide in Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities across Iowa.Position Summary:
Monsoon is seeking an experienced attorney to join our dedicated and passionate organization. The legal professional will work collaboratively with a team to implement a legal services program that provides pro bono civil legal representation and advocacy to survivors of gender-based violence, with emphasis on sexual violence and stalking. Practice areas include, but are not limited to: family law, educational law, civil rights law, administrative law and landlord/tenant law. This position requires strong oral and written communication skills, experience with civil legal representation of victims of gender-based violence, knowledge of sexual violence and domestic violence issues and dynamics, and ability to work independently statewide.
Bi/Multi-lingual and Black, Indigenous, People of Color encouraged to apply.
Reports to: Executive Director
Hours & Availability:
- Full-time – 40 hours a week
- Available to travel statewide with personal vehicle and auto insurance
- Available to travel nationally on occasion to attend conferences/training
Qualifications:
Candidates should possess:
- Preferred 4-5 years of legal services experience providing direct civil law representation and be licensed to practice law in the State of Iowa, but will consider new attorneys with applied knowledge and exceptional skills.
- Knowledge of and interest in issues related to gender-based violence, particularly sexual assault intervention and prevention.
- Excellent communication, organization and time management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects at one time, work independently and with a team, and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated knowledge of issues involved in working with diverse populations and organizations.
- Knowledge of state and federal legal issues related to gender-based violence, crime victim rights and education.
- Commitment to anti-racism and social justice values, ethics and work.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in the areas of family law (protective orders, divorce, child custody, child support, etc.) and campus and employment hearings (sexual assault, sexual harassment, etc.).
Responsibilities:
- Represent clients in civil matters related to domestic abuse and sexual violence issues, with a particular focus on sexual assault victims, particularly in rural settings.
- Collaborate with Monsoon's advocate and management team to implement and meet the goals and objectives of the grant program as funded by the Office on Violence Against Women.
- Provide legal supervision to Legal Advocacy Coordinator to maintain confidentiality.
- Work with Monsoon's private contracted attorney for mentorship and guidance if the in-house attorney has less than 5 years' experience.
- Provide ongoing training to Monsoon advocates to help improve legal knowledge and skills so that victims also are empowered through advocacy.
- Plan, conduct and coordinate trainings on legal issues for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
- Assist with grant management and reporting requirements as requested by Monsoon management team.
- Participate in project meetings as requested.
- Actively participate in anti-racism, social justice and anti-oppression work of Monsoon.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Other requirements: Requires extensive statewide travel and occasional national travel. Proof of valid driver's license, an acceptable driving record and auto insurance is required.
Salary: The starting salary range for this position is $65,000 to $70,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, annual wellness stipend, retirement match, generous paid vacation, and sick, mental health and holiday leave. Monsoon is a qualifying employer under the U.S. Department of Education's public service loan-forgiveness program.
How to Apply:
Please consolidate your application into one PDF document that includes: a cover letter summarizing your interest in and qualifications for the position; a 1-2 page résumé; and the names, titles and phone numbers of three professional references (or two professional and one personal reference). Professional references could also be provided by a college professor. Include your last name in the file name and email it as an attachment with “Monsoon Staff Attorney” as the subject line to Mira Yusef, Monsoon Executive Director, at mira@monsooniowa.org.
The position will remain open until filled.
