Staff Attorney

Legal Aid Of West Virginia; Princeton (WV); On-site; USD 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Legal Aid of West Virginia is seeking a dedicated attorney to serve as Guardian Ad Litem for children in abuse and neglect cases from our Princeton Office. The role focuses on advocacy in West Virginia Circuit Courts to safeguard children’s welfare.

Requirements include a J.D., WV bar admission, and competence in abuse/neglect law, with proficiency in LAWV case management software and balancing administrative tasks with client advocacy.

Qualifications

• Must be competent in abuse and neglect law and develop interview skills for informed court decisions.
• Must have J.D. and WV bar admission in good standing or eligibility to transfer/attend WV Bar Exam.
• Must be able to use LAWV case management software and standard office tech.
• Must balance administrative duties with direct client advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Represent children in West Virginia Circuit Court as Guardian Ad Litem.
• Conduct investigations and compile information for court reviews.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for the Court and clients.
• Coordinate with agencies to support permanency planning for children.

Skills

GAL practice

Child advocacy

Courtroom advocacy

Legal ethics

Education

J.D.

Bar admission WV

Tools

LAWV case management

Job description

Full-time

Description

LAWV is seeking a passionate and dedicated attorney to join our team to serve as Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) for children in abuse and neglect cases in the West Virginia Circuit Courts from our Princeton Office. This position provides an exceptional opportunity to use your advocacy skills to make a meaningful difference in the safety and lives of children experiencing challenges at a critical time in their development.

About Legal Aid of West Virginia

Legal Aid of West Virginia is the state's largest nonprofit law firm, dedicated to providing high-quality civil legal services to vulnerable West Virginians. Our staff advocate for justice, protect fundamental rights, and work to eliminate barriers that prevent children and families from achieving stability and self-sufficiency.

Requirements

Must be competent or have demonstrable commitment to understanding and becoming competent in abuse and neglect law with the ability to develop specialized interview skills, and to obtain and process the information required by the Court for informed decisions regarding child placement and permanency.

Must have J.D. and be admitted to practice in West Virginia and be in good standing or must be eligible for admission to the West Virginia Bar under West Virginia Supreme Court Rule 9 if admitted to practice in another state or must be eligible to take the next regularly scheduled West Virginia Bar Exam.

Must have skills to use office technologies, including learning LAWV case management software.

Must be able to balance administrative and client advocacy responsibilities.

Salary Description

$54,850 -$68,500