What are the responsibilities and job description for the Trial Attorney position at Oklahoma Office of Family Representation?
The Oklahoma Office of Family Representation (OFR) is seeking trial court attorneys to represent parents and children as indicated below.
Seeking trial attorneys to fill one contract position in Blaine, Dewey, Major, Woodward, Woods, Alfalfa, Cimarron, Roger Mills, Custer, Washita, Beckham, Ellis, Harper, Beaver, and Texas Counties.
OFR provides high-quality legal representation to children and indigent parents, guardians, and Indian custodians in child welfare court proceedings to promote timely reunification and preservation of families in a safe, healthy environment.
Our clients come to us through court appointments when child maltreatment is alleged. Our independent contract attorneys provide dedicated, zealous, client-directed legal defense while addressing the underlying issues that brought the family into the child welfare system. We strive to reduce foster care entries, shorten lengths of stay in foster care, promote frequent and high-quality family time, and ensure that children and parents receive well-tailored services to expedite safe and lasting reunifications.
Responsibilities and Duties:
The independent contract attorney will represent children and parents at all stages of child welfare court proceedings. The position requires court appearances and direct client contact.
Representation includes client interviews, providing ongoing assessments of the merits of cases, conferring with social workers, opposing counsel, and other service providers, appearing at all court hearings, preparing witnesses for trial, participating in mediations, and presenting clients’ cases to the court during hearings, non-jury trials, and jury termination trials.
The attorney will have access to resources to build legal knowledge, strengthen courtroom skills, and develop a deeper understanding of relevant systemic and social issues.
Desired Qualifications:
• Member in good standing of the State Bar of Oklahoma
• Knowledge and experience of juvenile deprived law preferred
• Experience in courtroom advocacy including trial work preferred
• Ability to work compassionately and respectfully with clients in crisis
• High degree of professionalism
• Ability to interact respectfully with judicial officers
• Ability to multi-task and be a productive team player
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, writing, interviewing, and organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team of social workers and parent mentor
Application Process:
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references via email to ofr@laok.org. Contract positions will remain open until filled.