Utah Crime Victims Legal Clinic - Victims' Rights Attorney/Legal Advocate

The Utah Crime Victims Legal Clinic is seeking to hire a victims’ rights attorney. The applicant must be admitted to practice law in Utah and have professional experience in the criminal justice system. Applicants will be considered if they are to be admitted to the Utah State Bar by Fall of 2022. Preference will be given to applicants who have at least three years’ experience as a criminal trial attorney, through prosecution or defense counsel. Applicants must have a working knowledge of the state’s victim rights laws, and a dedication to protecting and enhancing them in all levels of the court systems. Applicants should be team oriented and be proactive. Applicant must be able collaborate across disciplines to assist in and enhance the protection of victims’ rights. Preference will be given to applicant who have education on trauma informed practices.

  Job Specifics:

·         Funded through federal grants awarded by the Utah Office for Victims of Crime and/or DHHS (subject to annual re-application and award);

·         Starting salary: $30.45/hr.-$35/hr. depending on experience and available grant funding;

·         Available position: full- time, 3/4 time and part-time (20 hr. wk) (six-month probationary period); Job offers considerable flexibility in work hours and is a hybrid of in-office and at-home work opportunities;

·         Vacation, sick and holiday leave for full-time employees (pursuant to Policies and Procedures adopted by the Legal Clinic Board);

·         Health/dental/vision program through Regence Health Care (Clinic pays 80% of premium for full-time employees);

·         Spanish preferred

Application Materials:

·         Current Resume

·         Cover letter to include:

o   Availability date and if part-time or full-time position sought

o   Why you are interested in working at the Legal Clinic and for crime victims

o   Any special skills or insight you would bring to the position

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1.      EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  Juris Doctorate Degree. Preference given to applicants with at least three (3) years of related experience in the legal and/or victim services field. Spanish speaking applicates are preferred but not necessary.

2.      NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  Applicant should have knowledge of the criminal justice system and victims’ rights including; criminal procedure, criminal law, appellate procedure, trial advocacy, victims’ rights laws and initiatives. Applicant should have work experience in the criminal justice arena. 

Necessary skills would include effective written and oral communication skills, integrity, hardworking, reliability, team player, resourceful, creative and diplomatic.

Necessary abilities include being able to identify victim’s rights issues; analyze relevant statutes and case precedent; prepare memoranda and pleadings; effectively advocate for victims in a court setting, and communicate well with allied professionals including prosecutors, legal aid, housing authorities, mental health agencies, not-for-profit services, the Utah State Bar, law schools, etc. 

All employees must complete a 40-hour Rape and Sexual Violence Crisis Training, which can be completed upon hiring.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Input client information into electronic database.

·         Contact victims by sending initial letters, telephone calls or emails.

·         Provide in-court legal representation and criminal justice support: notify victims of all important hearings, accompany victims to court, explain court procedures, and answer questions about the system. Including filing motions that pertain to victims’ rights issues.

·         Provide specialized services to domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault clients including more in-person meetings, regular follow-up, and direct referrals to important services. Also help these clients seek and receives orders of protection in civil and criminal courts.

·         Assist victims in the completion of victim impact statements.

·         Upon the request of the victim, arrange for victims to meet the Clinic legal advocate (attorney), prosecutor and/or law enforcement.

·         Assist victims in exercising their rights through the Parole Board.

·         Assess the victims’ needs and give information on community resources; identify the need for Crime Victim Reparations (CVR) assistance; help fill out CVR forms.

·         Keep statistical information for quarterly and annual reports.

·         Mentor and support interns and pro bono attorneys working on behalf of the Clinic

Applications to heidi@ucvlc.org or 404 East 4500 South, Suite B24, Salt Lake City UT 84107)

DUE: September 16, 2022