What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Attorney position at Carolina Parent Defenders?
Staff Attorney Posting
About
Carolina Parent Defenders (CPD) is seeking a passionate and client-centered attorney to join our growing interdisciplinary team in the Triangle area of North Carolina.
CPD is a nonprofit defender office committed to providing creative, high-quality, holistic
representation to parents involved in abuse, neglect, dependency, and termination of parental
rights proceedings. Our work is rooted in client-centered advocacy, interdisciplinary
collaboration, and a commitment to keeping families together.
This is a fast-paced, collaborative position that requires initiative, compassion, attention to detail,
and a commitment to fierce advocacy for family unification.
Responsibilities
- Provide zealous, client-centered representation to parents in abuse, neglect, dependency, and termination of parental rights proceedings
- Represent clients at all stages of litigation, including nonsecure custody hearings, adjudications, dispositional hearings, permanency planning hearings, and trials
- Advocate for clients in other legal systems as needed
- Counsel clients during Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations to limit or mitigate State intervention
- Conduct legal research, draft motions, briefs, and other legal pleadings
- Develop creative litigation strategies focused on protecting family integrity and advancing clients’ stated goals
- Advocate for parents both inside and outside the courtroom
- Maintain regular communication with clients and provide trauma-informed representation
- grounded in dignity and trust
- Work collaboratively with our interdisciplinary team members to help clients navigate
- barriers related to housing, treatment, reunification services, transportation, education,
- and other collateral issues impacting family stability
- Engage in strategic advocacy that recognizes the broader systemic harms impacting families involved in carceral systems
Qualifications
Candidates should possess:
- Active license and good standing with the North Carolina State Bar, or eligibility for admission
- Commitment to defending the rights and dignity of parents involved in the child family regulation system
- Strong understanding of how race, poverty, and systemic inequities shape families’ experiences within the family regulation system
- Ability to build trust and communicate effectively with clients experiencing crisis, trauma, and system involvement
- Experience working in and with racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities
- Strong courtroom advocacy, legal writing, and litigation skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Commitment to fierce advocacy and willingness to strategically challenge authority in defense of our clients
- Ability to receive feedback, reflect, and adapt
Compensation & Benefits
Salary is commensurate with experience. CPD offers a supportive and collaborative work environment committed to sustainability in public interest practice. Additional information regarding benefits, leave, and workplace flexibility will be discussed during the hiring process.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- Resume
- Cover letter describing your interest in joining Carolina Parent Defenders
- Writing Sample No More Than 5 Pages
How to Apply: Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit your
application materials as a single PDF to contact@carolinaparentdefenders.org.
CPD is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages applicants from historically marginalized communities and individuals directly impacted by family regulation systems to apply.