Staff Attorney Direct Representation

Child Advocates; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Child Advocates, Inc. in Indiana seeks an experienced staff attorney for Direct Representation to advocate for youth in the state’s child welfare system.

The role requires independent casework across multiple counties and occasional travel, with a grant-funded appointment and a focus on trauma-informed representation of youth aged 10 and older. The attorney will handle pleadings, advise clients in clear terms, coordinate with DCS teams, and participate in Family Team meetings, with emphasis on

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school, admitted to practice in Indiana in good standing.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in child welfare, juvenile delinquency, or family law.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills; ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of Indiana CHINS and TPR statutes; trauma-informed practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide expressed interest representation to youth 10 and older across Indiana.
• Work independently on cases, evaluating issues and presenting to judges and others.
• Maintain organization of multiple cases with strong communication with clients.
• Prepare and submit legal pleadings and coordinate appellate briefs as needed.
• Track court dates and arrange coverage when required; coordinate with DCS teams.
• Attend Child and Family Team meetings and provide input on systemic issues.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Independence

Case management

Education

Juris Doctorate (ABA-accredited)

Licensed to practice in Indiana (in good standing)

Job description

Staff Attorney Direct Representation

Full Time Indianapolis, IN, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1056

Job title

Staff Attorney Direct Representation

FLSA Status

Exempt

Employment Status

Full-time

Reports to

Director of Direct Representation Program

Job purpose

Child Advocates, Inc. champions children and families throughout Indiana by advocating for access to justice and equity and fostering well-being for children. Under this mission, Child Advocates represents youth aged 10 and older who are involved in the Indiana child welfare system. Attorneys provide client-directed, or expressed interest, representation in multiple counties throughout the state, accepting referrals from youth requesting counsel. Child Advocates works with the Notre Dame Lab for Economic Opportunity on a research program examining the benefits of attorney representation for youth 12 and older in certain counties.

Child Advocates is seeking an experienced and passionate attorney who works independently on cases and is able to travel to Indiana counties representing youth. This is a grant funded position. The applying individual must have knowledge regarding child development and how trauma affects the brain, the Indiana child welfare system, and available DCS services. Prior experience working with youth is preferred.

Duties and responsibilities

• Provide expressed interest representation to youth 10 and older throughout Indiana.
• Work independently on cases, evaluating issues and arguments to be presented to the Judge and other parties.
• Maintain organization of multiple cases and clients, with good communication skills.
• Provide legal advice to children in a way they can understand.
• Prepare and submit legal pleadings on behalf of clients.
• Create and/or coordinate the writing of appellate briefs as needed.
• Track future court dates and find coverage if needed.
• Maintain consistent communication with the child’s DCS team.
• Work with a legal support advocate and paralegal when appropriate.
• Attend Child and Family Team meetings when legal issues or other important topics may be discussed.
• Assist in training as requested.
• Provide input, advice on systemic issues involving relationships with staff, DCS, Public Defenders, courts, and the service provider community.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school, admitted to practice law in Indiana and in good standing;
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in area of child welfare, juvenile delinquency, or family law.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Knowledge of the Indiana Statutes concerning children in need of services (CHINS) and the termination of parental rights (TPR).
• Knowledge of national trends, positions of the ABA, NACC and various other organizations regarding the representation of children. Familiarity with litigation pertaining to counsel for children in Indiana and nationwide.
• Analyze complex problems to guide and encourage resolutions.
• Ability to abide by client’s wishes regardless of personal opinions.
• Preventively recognize other relevant legal issues such as immigration, death benefits, and name changes.
• Ability to provide respect and understanding of cultural, racial, religious, socio-economic and other issues of diversity.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently while managing a high-volume of cases.
• Commitment to Child Advocates’ goals and mission.
• Knowledge and skill in computer use.

Working conditions

This job operates in a hybrid office environment with the majority of time working remotely. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and fax machines.

Physical requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee may be required to stand, walk, use hands, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms.

Travel will be required across the state. A valid driver’s license and insured vehicle are required.

Direct reports

None

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Child Advocates, Inc. is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Child Advocates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.