Probate & Estate Planning Staff Attorney

At DC Affordable Law Firm (DCALF), we believe everyone deserves access to justice and that income should never be a barrier to a family’s receipt of high-quality legal representation. DCALF delivers accessible justice to modest-income DC residents who do not qualify for traditional sources of free civil legal services and cannot afford standard representation and fills critical gaps by using innovative programming to expand access to justice and empower lower-income community members with unmet legal needs. DCALF provides a wide-range of no-cost and low-cost family law, probate, estate planning, and immigration legal services to DC residents and individuals navigating DC legal issues. We are fiercely dedicated to leveling the playing field and ensuring historically underserved clients can tackle some of life’s most daunting legal issues with a lawyer by their side.

DCALF is one of two nonprofit organizations leading the District of Columbia’s first Heirs’ Property Assistance Program to provide probate representation and assistance to individuals navigating probate, or the multi-phased process of clearing title to property following the death of a loved one.  Through this work – and DCALF’s expanded probate practice – DCALF is helps families preserve and protect intergenerational homes and secure clear access to the assets and possessions loved ones have left behind.  Beyond probate, DCALF proactively empowers individuals and families by providing access to the proactive estate planning tools and services that allow them to establish legacies and plan for the future.  DCALF’s estate planning practice aims to ensure estate planning is not a tool reserved only for those with wealth; rather, we work alongside individuals and families to make estate planning accessible for all, memorializing choices regarding their health and wealth, and guarding against continuing heirs’ property issues.  

Position Overview:  DCALF seeks an attorney to focus on increasing access to justice in probate and estate planning matters. The Probate & Estate Planning Staff Attorney will join DCALF’s seven-person Probate & Estate Planning team and engage in direct representation, advice, and advocacy on behalf of DCALF clients and community members. The direct representation of clients primarily includes representing personal representatives probating their loved one's estates and helping individuals draft proactive estate plans for their incapacity and after death.

DCALF's probate practice also includes representation of heirs and third-parties seeking estate administration assistance.  This position will also involve community outreach and education to expand awareness of our probate and estate planning, mechanisms for avoiding heirs’ property and probate, and how effective planning can benefit DC residents. While a background in probate, future planning, elder law, accounting, or real estate law is preferred, the Staff Attorney position does not require a background in any of these areas, but, instead, a willingness and ability to learn and gain mastery of probate and estate planning. This position is an exciting opportunity on the frontlines of a burgeoning area of law working to preserve individuals’ homes and assets and increase intergenerational wealth for modest- and lower-income DC families.

The Staff Attorney will be supported, supervised and mentored, yet will also have the opportunity for independent work and collaboration.  The selected candidate must be highly organized, adept at interviewing and interacting with persons from diverse backgrounds, has a strong sense of empathy and professionalism, is able to work independently to meet time-sensitive deliverables, and is committed to supporting our organization’s race equity initiatives. The Staff Attorney will manage their own full caseload and maintain timekeeping, data, and case files consistent with organizational policies. In addition to casework and community outreach, the Staff Attorney will serve as a leader within the organization, offering informal mentorship and support to fellows in DCALF’s 15-month post-graduate fellowship program. The Staff Attorney will participate in all case rounds and staff meetings, follow and enhance organizational policies and procedures, and report to the Probate & Estate Planning Managing Attorney. 

This job description is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the position or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• J.D.; Licensed to practice law and in good standing in the District of Columbia or eligible to waive into DC immediately;
• Minimum of one year experience post-J.D. in a judicial clerkship or in direct legal services, individuals with additional years’ experience and/or probate and estate planning experience strongly encouraged to apply;
• Dedication to access to justice;
• Emphasis on client-centered and trauma-informed advocacy;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people;
• Ability to work well under pressure, multitask, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational abilities with a detail-oriented and deadline-driven approach to work;
• Creativity in identifying and implementing solutions;
• Sound independent judgment and decision-making skills;
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and race equity;
• Willingness to reflect upon critical feedback;
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and Excel required;
• Community engagement and/or community education experience preferred; and
• Spanish proficiency preferred.

Work Environment: DCALF is currently working in a hybrid remote/in-person model. At a minimum, the position requires in-office presence two days per week consistent with client needs and organizational policies. This position may also require regular attendance at DC Superior Court, conferences, and other meetings or community engagement events in the District of Columbia. 

Additional details on compensation, benefits, and application process can be found below. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification upon hire.

This is a full-time salaried, exempt position. DCALF offers the following benefits:

• 401(k) retirement plan with 3% employer match.
• Medical insurance and elective dental and vision insurance options.
• Generous paid leave, including vacation, sick, and personal days, winter break closure (Christmas – New Year’s), Thanksgiving break, and all Federal and local holidays.
• Paid parental/family leave through the DC Paid Family Leave Program.
• Ongoing training opportunities.

The starting annual salary for this position for a candidate with one year of experience is $62,000 with additional compensation based on years of relevant experience, up to a current maximum of $78,000/per year. In addition, this position is eligible for DCALF’s Spanish Language stipend of $2,500 annually for a candidate with a demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written Spanish.

Through employment with DCALF, attorneys may also be eligible for the Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) offered through the DC Bar Foundation (DCBF). The DCBF’s LRAP provides one-year, interest-free, forgivable loans of up to $12,000 per year to qualified attorneys. 

DC Affordable Law Firm is a 501(c)(3) organization. Employees with federal student loan debt may apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. For more information, visit https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.

While there are no language requirements, this position is eligible for DCALF’s Spanish Language stipend of $2,500 annually for a candidate with a demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written Spanish.