Children's Attorney - Family Law
Join Kids First Law Center as a full-time children’s attorney and become part of a dedicated team advocating for children, strengthening families, and breaking patterns of conflict to ensure a better future.
About Kids First: Kids First is a nonprofit children’s law center with a mission to give children a voice in divorce, custody, and other conflicts. Kids First is one of the first law centers in the United States with a focus on providing legal advocacy for children in family law cases. Kids First attorneys follow best practices and are enthusiastic about being part of an innovative model of advocacy. Kids First attorneys ensure children’s voices are heard and rights are protected in challenging high-conflict divorce and custody cases.
Employees are proud of the remarkable workplace culture that embodies mutual respect and shared purpose. Kids First is committed to practices that support a diverse and inclusive workplace. Kids First strives to create a positive experience for all people regardless of their race, color, income, age, appearance, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, nationality, social or ethnic origin, religion, or creed. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply.
Position Overview: Kids First attorneys provide high-quality legal representation for children in family law cases, giving children a strong voice. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as a trusted advocate for children, meeting with them regularly to build strong attorney-client relationships
- Develop and implement creative problem-solving strategies
- Initiate and participate in alternative dispute resolution practices
- Draft motions, briefs, settlement agreements, and proposed orders
- Appear in court to advocate the child’s position in hearings and trials
- Consult and collaborate with teachers, counselors, and other professionals for child clients
- Lead coparenting sessions to improve communication and lessen conflict between parents
Qualifications:
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Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and license to practice in Iowa
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Family law or juvenile court experience helpful but not required
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Ability to build a positive rapport with school-age kids with openness to learning about their unique needs and challenges
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Exceptional oral and written communication and relationship-building skills
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Adept at working constructively with high-conflict personalities and reframing conflict
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an open work environment
Salary Information: Kids First has a committed and unique team environment with egalitarian pay for all employees. The full-time annual wage is $70,000. Generous benefits include 6 weeks PTO, sabbatical leave, and IRA contributions. Health insurance is available with 80% of employee premiums paid by Kids First. Dental and vision insurance plans are available with premiums paid by the employee.
Application Process: Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and list of references to Daniel Anderson at dan@kidsfirstiowa.org.