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Staff Attorney  Job Description Our mission at  Utah Legal Services (ULS)  is to provide high-quality civil legal aid without cost to people who are unable to afford legal representation or are facing disadvantages, ensuring meaningful access to justice, and promoting education, stability, safety, and protection.  Equal Justice Under Law  is one of our nation’s most basic principles. However, economic realities often leave these promises unfulfilled. This is where  ULS  comes in. Since our  inception  as a nonprofit in 1976,  we  remain  committed to making equal justice a reality by providing free services, in civil legal matters. More than  70  attorneys and legal professionals ,  working remote and in person, deliver client services from four regional offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden,  Provo  and St. George. Join our team and help us level the playing field for low - income  Utahns, ensuring everyone has a voice in the legal system. Job Summary As a  Staff  Attorney  at ULS , you will  be a  litigation attorney and/or administrative representative  who   provide s  ethical and competent  civil  legal representation and client support services  to Utahns  with low-income or special vulnerabilities. You will do this with intentional excellence  to provide  meaningful access to equal justice. Your primary  duties and  responsibilities include  conducting case  management, client  support ,  legal research ,  litigation  or administrative work , and overseeing the  legal  work of an assigned paralegal(s) .  You will be placed on a team and report directly to your Managing Attorney. As a  lawyer  you must exercise independent judgment as a professional .  You will also receive moderate  direction  on  casework  from the Subject Matter Chair(s). Job Duties and  Responsibilities Case Management • Use the ULS case management system,  LegalServer , to bill time, manage clients and track case - related tasks and deadlines for  timely  communications, services, and representation. • Follow case handling protocols  and best practices  provided   and followed  by the  Subject Area Chair  overseeing your cases. • Determine  the correct Level of Service (LOS)  for each of your assigned  cases and   update  as necessary. • Manage  an average caseload  of   60 - 1 50  cases based  on the level of service and area of law, as assigned. • Reg ularly and strategically review case status and tasks, updating as needed. • Review cases for Case Service  Report (CSR) compliance  and then properly close  cases . • Actively work with paralegal to  timely  move the case toward finality . Client Support • Communicate with clients to gather facts, prepare case summaries, and evaluate the merits of  assigned cases. • Educate clients about the laws, rules, and legal processes related to their  matter. This includes  explaining  potential outcomes, setting reasonable expectations,  establishing  goals and next  steps, and  strategizing about  the case. • Advocat e   by giving clients   advice, brief services, and representation  to ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities, while keeping them informed and updated on developments in their case. • Prepare clients for  depositions, interviews, examinations, hearings, and other case-related  meetings. Legal Research • Research using relevant legal sites and platforms such as X c hange , Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER), Electronic Records Request (ERE),  the Utah State Court and District Court websites,  governmental agencies,  and others  to request documents, research, and aid in case progression. • Review relevant  statutes, rules, regulations,  caselaw , and secondary sources  to  assist  in developing case strategies. Litigation and Administrative Work • Prepare  pro se  answers and motions for clients who are not eligible for extended representation  through ULS. • Review paralegal work for accuracy and compliance with all rules, laws, and  professional  responsibilities. This includes  compliance with grantees and regulatory governing entities. • Independently p repar e  and  submit  court or administrative agency documents  to the court, agency, and  appropriate parties . • Explor e   possible settlements  through negotiations as approved by the client to mitigate  harm and improve your client’s situation. • Independently a ttend  moderate to complex  meetings, mediations, hearings,  trials  and any other necessary  client-related proceedings  to advocate for your client . Additional Duties • Attend  ULS staff   meetings, training sessions, and case reviews . • Complete  appropriate continuing   education and certification requirements such as continuing legal education (CLEs) . • Serve on an internal ULS working group , as invited by management. • Assist  in the development of ULS training  materials  and   during  group training sessions. • Participate in community engagement efforts including at clinics, community education classes, and outreach  to further ULS’s mission and  maintain   relationships with community partners and stakeholders. • Maintain good standing with regulatory entities including the Utah State Bar. • Other dutie s as assigned. Skills and Abilities • A strong commitment to  assisting   people with low incomes and special vulnerabilities  and promoting meaningful access to civil legal justice • Excellent interpersonal abilities . • High verbal and written communication skills • High level  of adaptability and ability to manage  stress. • Self-motivated, dependable, detailed, and accountable. • Commitment and adherence to strict  confidentiality rules. • Work experience in one  of the following legal areas is preferred: domestic law, housing, consumer  protection, debt defense, public benefits, Native American law,  or  migrant worker law . • Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of diverse people, ability, culture, and ethnic background to  maintain  good relationships. Qualifications . • Minimum 1-3 years of experience • Must be able to pass a Utah Criminal Record background check. • Juris Doctor Degree from a U.S. accredited law school . • Admission and good standing with the Utah State Bar Job Factors/Physical Requirement • Must be able to travel to meetings and court proceedings as needed. • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. • In person at a ULS office one day per week. Salary • Staff Attorney annual salary $83,000 - $100,000 FLSA Status • Non-exempt, full time Reports to • Managing Attorney Benefits At Utah Legal Services, we prioritize the well-being and success of our employees, recognizing that a harmonious work-life balance is paramount. We empower our team members to tailor their schedules with flexible hours, allowing them to effectively manage their professional commitments while nurturing personal and familial needs. In our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, we embrace a hybrid or remote work across all positions. Moreover, we understand that comprehensive benefits are essential in fostering a thriving workplace culture. That's why we offer an extensive benefits package, including: • Medical insurance • Dental insurance • Employer-paid vision insurance • Generous paid-time off (21 days per year) and increases on your first anniversary • 13 paid holidays • 403(b) retirement plan with a monthly employer match, plus automatic monthly contributions • Employer-paid short and long-term disability coverage • 4 weeks paid parental leave • Employer monthly stipend to assist staff with benefit cost. By prioritizing employee well-being, offering competitive benefits, and embracing a flexible work environment, we strive to create a workplace where every team member can thrive both personally and professionally. To learn more about Utah Legal Services visit www.utahlegalservices.org Utah Legal Services believes that equal opportunity of all employees is important for the continuing success of our organization. In accordance with state and federal law, this nonprofit will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, disability, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status in hiring, promoting, demoting, trainings, benefits, transfers, layoffs, terminations, recommendations, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation.