Adult Guardianship Staff Attorney

Job Title: Adult Guardianship Staff Attorney

Company: Northern Nevada Legal Aid (NNLA)

Location: Reno, NV

Position: Full-Time

Why Join Our Team?

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact through legal advocacy? Northern Nevada Legal Aid is searching for driven and compassionate individuals to strengthen our team. Whether you’re fresh out of law school, awaiting your Nevada bar results, or a seasoned attorney, this is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, receive mentorship in a unique field of law, and help transform lives in our community. Seize the chance to make a difference, apply today and be part of our mission to bring justice to those who need it most!

About Us:

Welcome to Northern Nevada Legal Aid (NNLA), formerly known as Washoe Legal Services! Since 1965, we’ve been on a mission to ensure that justice isn’t just a privilege for the few, but a right for all. As a proud 501(c)(3) non-profit, we dedicate ourselves to advocating for Northern Nevada’s most vulnerable populations like domestic violence victims, abused and neglected children, the elderly, and immigrants in distress. NNLA’s Adult Guardianship unit serves as attorneys to the majority of Protected Persons under Guardianship in Northern Nevada.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary from $80,000, depending on experience
• 12 paid holidays annually
• Generous PTO program accruing up to 24 days of PTO per year (increased accrual after 2 years)
• 100% coverage of employee Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life plans; 75% coverage of dependents’ premiums
• 401(k) matching program
• Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Full-time, 35-hour work week
• Remote work available upon approval

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain a trusting, confidential relationship with clients, including those with capacity limitations, and advocate for their expressed wishes during court proceedings, with opposing counsel, guardians, and community providers.
• Visit and meet with assigned clients before all court hearings to understand and address their needs.
• Ensure that clients’ due process rights are protected during every stage of the guardianship process.
• Investigate the client’s circumstances by effectively collaborating with their family, significant others, doctors, petitioners/guardians, government attorneys, public guardians, service providers, and facilities where they may reside.
• Represent clients during court hearings in multiple jurisdictions across Northern Nevada.
• NNLA Adult Guardianship attorneys represent the largest number of clients in Washoe County, but also provide representation in multiple counties in Northern Nevada including but not limited to Carson City, Douglas County, Lyon County, and more. Travel to visit these clients in rural jurisdictions will be required. While many hearings in rural jurisdictions are remote, in-person appearances are required when mandated by the court or client needs.
• Advocate for the application of the Protected Persons’ Bill of Rights set forth in NRS 159.328.
• Serve as a resource for the community by participating in outreach events and building relationships with community partners.
• Maintain accurate records of client interactions, case progress, and outcomes for reporting and compliance purposes.
• Perform other duties assigned to support NNLA’s mission.
• Be a voice for Protected Persons in Northern Nevada!

Qualifications

• Must be a member of the Nevada Bar, possess an active and good standing Bar License from any United States jurisdiction, or have recently taken the Nevada Bar exam and are awaiting results.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills.
• Effective decision-making skills, including determining how the law applies to unique case facts and ensuring clients’ interests and wishes are served.
• Strong verbal communication skills to advocate effectively in court and collaborate with various stakeholders.
• Ability to focus on multiple cases simultaneously, manage a robust case load, attend required team and organizational meetings, and travel to clients or court appearances as necessary.
• Familiarity with Adult Guardianship law and the Protected Persons’ Bill of Rights is highly desirable but not required; training will be provided.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in technical/database systems.
• Initiative and ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a supportive team environment.
• Strong compassion and fierce advocacy for Protected Persons.
• Genuine passion and deep commitment to NNLA’s mission.

Location: The role is primarily on-site at NNLA’s main office located at 401 Ryland St. Suite 100, situated between Reno’s vibrant Downtown and Midtown neighborhoods. A hybrid or telework schedule may be considered after a training period based on organizational needs and Adult Guardianship attorneys are often on the go!

How to Apply: To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to: ca*****@********id.org

Diversity Statement: NNLA is an ADA/Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to empowering vulnerable individuals and communities through the expansion of access to legal justice in Northern Nevada. Individuals of diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply. Please visit www.nnlegalaid.org for more information about our organization and current opportunities.