About Washington Lawyers'​ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs

The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (WLC) works to create legal, economic, and social equity through litigation, client and public education, and public policy advocacy with a primary focus on racial justice. For the last 55 years, the Committee has been on the cutting edge of civil rights advocacy in the region bringing precedent setting litigation to address discrimination. Our work focuses on injustices in housing, employment, the criminal legal system, education, public accommodations, and the civil rights of immigrants. We partner with individuals and communities facing discrimination and with the legal community to achieve justice. The Committee’s staff is unionized with the National Organization of Legal Service Workers Local #2320, UAW. For more information on the Washington Lawyers’ Committee, please go to www.washlaw.org.

Position Description

As part of its work, the Committee hosts the Workers’ Rights Clinic at which low-income workers can receive a consultation with a trained volunteer who provides legal assistance and advice under the supervision of an experienced employment law attorney. At present, the clinics are held both virtually every week and in-person one Saturday morning each month in the facilities of other community-based organizations in a City location convenient to low-wage workers. The Committee also seeks to deepen its partnerships with community and impacted-person led organizations to identify and surmount legal and other barriers facing low-income workers and workers of color. The advocate will play a key role in managing and coordinating the operations of the Committee’s Workers’ Rights Clinics. The advocate will work closely with, and under the supervision of, the attorney staff members.

The advocate will be responsible for:

• Managing communications with workers
• Scheduling Clinic volunteers and workers for Clinic appointments
• Managing the logistics of running the virtual and in-person clinics
• Conducting follow up with workers  
• Utilizing multiple technological tools, including Zoom and Legal Server, a case management database
• Training new volunteers
• Overseeing Clinic interns
• Developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with community partners

Required Skills/Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Excellent organizational skills
• Fluency in written and oral Spanish (certification at Advanced Mid or above on the OPI/OPIc which will be tested prior to our extending an offer of employment)
• Effective use of Office 365, Zoom, and Mailchimp
• Availability to work during all clinic dates: every Wednesday from approximately 4-9 pm (virtual); two Fridays per month from approximately 11 am to 4 pm (virtual); one Saturday per month from approximately 9:30 to 2 pm (in-person at Bread for the City, 1700 Marion Barry Avenue SE)

Preferred Skills/Qualifications

• Passion for civil rights and racial equity advocacy, including working with marginalized communities
• Experience working with community-based organizations and organizers
• Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations
• Ability to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture that encourages and celebrates differences

Compensation

Based upon Washington Lawyers' Committee experience-based pay scale,https://www.washlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Salary-Scales.pdf

How to Apply

Please attach your resume and a letter detailing your interest, at least three references, and a brief writing sample to your application. Please note our application system will prompt you to submit a resume and cover letter. As part of your cover letter include your references and brief writing sample in one pdf document. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity is an essential component of the Committee, and we encourage all qualified persons to apply. Applicants are accorded an equal opportunity for selection without regard to actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, matriculation, or political affiliation.

This position is a hybrid position with a requirement to be physically in the office located in Washington, D.C. three core days, and up to two days of telework.