Sexual Violence Law Center (SVLC) is nonprofit law firm that aims to improve Washington State’s
legal response to survivors of sexual violence through (1) holistic legal assistance and
representation in a variety of legal areas; (2) trainings and technical assistance for attorneys,
advocates and professionals working with survivors; and (3) survivor rights policy reform. SVLC
engages in trauma-informed, survivor-centered advocacy, rooted in race and gender equity
practices. We currently seek applicants for a Staff Attorney to join our team.
Position Summary
Reporting to the SVLC director, the Staff Attorney will work with survivors who have experienced
sexual violence, including sexual assault, abuse, harassment, trafficking, stalking and
technology-enabled abuse. The applicant must have experience in the field of family law and at
least one of SVLC’s other main practice areas (civil rights, immigration, housing, employment,
education, public benefits, consumer rights, or criminal law). Our office is in downtown Seattle,
with some opportunity to work remotely. This position requires understanding the core principles
of trauma-informed practices and anti-oppression and grounding those principles in everyday
work. This a grant funded position which is contingent on continued funding.
Salary & Benefits
This full-time, exempt position has an annual starting salary of $72,000. Benefits include health
insurance (including dental and vision); three weeks of vacation to start in a culture that supports
and encourages people to use their vacation time; ten paid holidays per year; paid sick and safe
leave; flexible and generous family leave; payment of bar dues; and professional opportunities.
Responsibilities
Direct Services
● Provide survivor-centered legal representation to sexual assault survivors throughout
Washington on a broad range of non-tort legal matters.
● Rotate on SVLC’s legal support line for survivors of sexual violence and provide legal
consultation, brief services and referral to callers.
● Assist in conducting trainings for pro bono attorneys, advocates, and other professionals
working with survivors of sexual assault and abuse.
● Provide technical assistance and support to civil attorneys, prosecutors, and other legal
professionals representing survivors of sexual assault.
Community Relations
● Develop and maintain meaningful relationships with community partners to facilitate holistic
client services, particularly in communities facing greater legal barriers.
● Actively participate in task forces, coalitions and initiatives pertaining to victim rights.
● Conduct legal clinics and public presentations on the legal rights of sexual assault survivors.
● Draft legal publications and resources for survivors, attorneys, advocates and the general
public.
Program Administration
● Assist SVLC Director, and in collaboration with other program staff, in ensuring that grant and
contract deliverables are met.
● Maintain program and administrative records.
● Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
● Juris Doctor degree.
● Valid license to practice law in the State of Washington.
● Three years of litigation experience (whether in motions practice, trials, administrative
hearings, or appellate advocacy).
● Excellent writing and communications skills.
● Ability to travel independently for off-site meetings, trainings and to engage in mobile
advocacy.
● Fluency in a language other than English, or other personal qualities that contribute to the
program’s commitment to diversity.
● Experience working with vulnerable populations, particularly survivors of sexual assault,
domestic violence, or child abuse, whether in a legal or non-legal capacity.
● Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships in survivor communities, including
communities of color. Recognize that the intersection of racism and misogyny is at the root of
our work.
Preferred Qualifications
● Prior experience working in a nonprofit setting or community-based organizations.
● Demonstrated ability to engage with people of different cultures and backgrounds.
● Experience in one or more fields of law listed at the beginning of this job description.
● Ability to engage and collaborate on self-care and resiliency practices.
● Experience with teaching/training other professionals.
● Sense of humor.
Application Process
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis but priority will be given to applicants who submit
their cover letter and resume to svlc@svlawcenter.org by July 12, 2021. Please email with the
subject header of your last name and the position you’re applying for. In your cover letter, please
share why you are interested in the attorney position, how your lived or professional experience
would contribute to our advocacy, and if you prefer SVLC retain your application for future
consideration. Writing samples and references will be requested upon offer of an interview.
SVLC is committed to fostering the leadership of survivors, particularly those from
underrepresented and marginalized communities, following an equal opportunity employment
policy and employ personnel without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, physical or mental ability, veteran
status, military obligations, and marital status.