Helpline Counsel (I)

If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice transforms the law and policy landscape through advocacy, support, and organizing so all people have the power to determine if, when, and how to define, create, and sustain families with dignity and to actualize sexual and reproductive wellbeing on their own terms. We are a legal services and advocacy organization that represents people in crisis, reshapes the law, and builds a national network of lawyers and advocates fighting for reproductive justice.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Since the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, people throughout the U.S. have been confused about their legal rights and potential risk. If/When/How’s Repro Legal Helpline is a free, confidential legal service, staffed by attorneys, that believes we all should have the power and support to make decisions about our bodies, families, and communities, without coercion or punishment. And until that is a reality, the Helpline supports people by answering questions about the laws throughout the U.S., providing brief legal services, and supporting people in legal emergencies. If/When/How seeks an attorney to join our team as Helpline Counsel, and expand our capacity to provide compassionate, thoughtful, legal services to people from all 50 states who call our Repro Legal Helpline. The Helpline Counsel will join a 9-person Legal Services Team, and will work closely with all Helpline Counsels. The ideal candidate will bring a demonstrated commitment to social justice and direct client services experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide high-quality and person centered legal services through the Repro Legal Helpline
• Respond to all assigned inquiries in a timely manner.
• Keep abreast of evolving legislation and case law impacting the legal services provided by the Helpline, including, among other things, changes to judicial bypass procedures for young people, prosecutions for self-managed abortion, and bans on abortion and abortion support.
• In partnership with the Legal Services Team, continue to grow the Helpline into a nationally-known, highest quality legal resource with the capacity to serve all callers, including those who speak languages other than English, seeking legal information or advice about their reproductive lives (e.g., potential criminalization, youth access to abortion, birth justice, family policing, local resources, and more).
• Research and draft written publications, including know-your-rights materials, on topics directly related to the Helpline, including but not limited to criminal, family, youth access, birth justice, and immigration laws.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Participates in staff meetings, department meetings, trainings, and retreats.
• Willingness to participate in internal volunteer committees to help co-create a vibrant,
• equitable, and collegial work environment.
• Maintain complete and accurate data in Salesforce.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• J.D. is required.
• Bar admission in one or more states is required.
• At least 2 years of overall work experience—though it need not be as an
• attorney—is required.
• At least 1 year of experience working in direct client services is required. This includes: civil legal services, like housing, public benefits, or domestic violence; legal services hotline; and criminal, immigration, or family defense.
• Knowledge of U.S. law as it relates to reproductive self-determination without state violence, including abortion jurisprudence, is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Working proficiency in spoken and written Spanish is strongly preferred
• Commitment to social justice and racial justice/anti-racist principles
• Ability to thrive in a remote workplace and willingness to build relationships virtually
• Familiarity with reproductive health, rights, and justice issues and frameworks, preferred
• Self-motivated with effective organization, time, and project management skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks and nimbly shift between projects as needs evolve
• Flexibility and adaptability to change and growth
• Excellent communications skills: writing, speaking and listening, with an emphasis on clear analytical writing ability
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Collaborative team player with ability to give and receive constructive feedback
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, G-Suite tools, and other common workplace apps

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to Senior Helpline Counsel and works closely with the Legal Services Team. Also collaborates with the Strategic Advocacy Team and the Repro Legal Defense Fund.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

If/When/How maintains a virtual office and supports remote working and flexible work days, including a 4-day work week. Reimbursements for home office equipment and supplies are available. Occasionally, employees may be expected to be available during off-hours and/or to attend events (e.g., conferences, staff retreats) on nights or weekends. Please note that this role requires the employee to be located within the United States. We are unable to consider applicants residing outside of the United States at this time.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Most work will be done on a computer (although attending conferences may require transporting materials and the ability to carry 10 lbs), with exception of handwriting cards. Requires typing and participating in meetings (live and virtual). Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these and other essential functions.

TRAVEL:

Regularly, possibly monthly, travel within the continental U.S. may be required. Additional travel will be required to support teamwork and attend staff retreats, conferences, and professional development opportunities.

If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice is an “at-will” and equal opportunity employer, committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional people. We welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences, identities, and educational backgrounds. Applicants and employees shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender (including pregnancy and gender expression) identity, color, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance.