Blue Ridge Legal Services is a leading legal aid society committed to providing comprehensive legal services to low-income individuals and families in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Our mission is to promote access to justice by addressing the legal needs of underserved communities, ensuring equal representation and protection under the law. BRLS has four offices in Roanoke, Lexington, Harrisonburg, and Winchester. The Lexington office is located on Main Street in downtown Lexington, Virginia. Lexington, nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge mountains, just one hour north of Roanoke city, is home to Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute, and possesses rich history and small-town charm. Lexington is surrounded by natural beauty and is a mecca for outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and more.
Blue Ridge Legal Services is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Staff Attorney to join our team in the Lexington office. The Staff Attorney will play a crucial role in providing legal assistance and advocacy to individuals facing poverty-related civil legal issues. We are looking for a candidate with a demonstrated passion for equal justice and poverty law, as well as a commitment to serving vulnerable populations. The Staff Attorney will provide direct legal representation to low-income clients in various civil legal matters, with a primary focus on eviction defense/housing law, but also including a mix of consumer rights, family law, public benefits, and elder-law matters. While the Staff Attorney will be responsible for appearing with clients in courts in Lexington and surrounding areas, a hybrid work environment can be arranged.
Admission to Virginia bar preferred (those with the ability to waive-in or sit for the next regularly scheduled Virginia bar exam considered). Ability to speak Spanish a plus.
Starting salary is $70,976 and rises commensurate with experience. Blue Ridge Legal Services offers excellent benefits, including paid health insurance and healthcare reimbursement funds, retirement plan with 6% employer contribution, optional flex savings account, vision and dental insurance, professional development opportunities, 15 paid holidays, and generous sick, short- and long-term disability, and annual leave policies. Our organization values collaboration and teamwork, is family-oriented, and encourages work-life balance and employee well-being.
We encourage candidates who meet the outlined qualifications to apply by sending a letter of interest and resume to John Whitfield, Executive Director, Blue Ridge Legal Services, Inc., via email at jwhitfield@brls.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Blue Ridge Legal Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of employment. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds to join our dedicated team in serving our community.
To apply, send letter of interest and resume to John Whitfield, Executive Director, Blue Ridge Legal Services, Inc., via e-mail to jwhitfield@brls.org.