Employment Opportunities

  • Position: Staff Attorney

    Type: Full-Time

    Services: Brief legal advice and representation for eligible clients.

    Application Deadline: Applications accepted until position is filled.

    About SILC

    Sage Indigenous Law Center (SILC) is a civil legal aid organization that is working towards restoring equity and equality for underrepresented families in Spokane County. SILC provides free legal service and advice for parents and children navigating potential and qualified ICWA dependency cases.

    Founded in 2024 by Native legal professionals and community members, SILC’s leadership and staff are creating services, solutions, and educational resources to address the cultural needs of underserved families in Spokane County. Historical injustices impact various vulnerable communities, especially Native families who are significantly affected by high rates of family separation. Indigenous children are 2.7 times more likely to be placed in foster care compared to their proportion in the general population. The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was enacted in 1978 to halt mass removal of Native children from their family homes and tribal communities and the Washington State Indian Child Welfare Act (WICWA) strengthened these provisions in 2011. Active Efforts are required to help prevent removal of a Native child, and if a child must be removed, placement preferences for foster care and adoption require tribal involvement.

    About the Position

    SILC seeks applications for a Staff Attorney to join our team based in Spokane, Washington.

    Example duties may include but are not limited to:

    Client Services

    ● Conduct intake interviews with potential clients.

    ● Review potential cases and connect clients with resources.

    ● Represent Native parents and/or children in Spokane County ICWA Court hearings.

    ● Work collaboratively with the SILC team and clients to provide the best experience possible.

    Case Planning & Strategy

    ● Attend case planning and strategy meetings with SILC staff.

    ● Attend case planning meetings with other ICWA Team members.

    Community & Outreach

    ● Conduct outreach to increase awareness of SILC and support equity and equality for Native families.

    ● Visit partnering and potential partnering organizations.

    ● Establish, maintain, and develop professional relationships within and outside of the organization.

    The Staff Attorney must comply with the Washington Rules of Professional Conduct.

    The Staff Attorney may also be responsible for providing duties and directions to volunteers and/or interns.

    Other duties may be assigned by the Executive Director.

    General Qualifications

    ● Membership with the Washington State Bar Association.

    ● 2 years’ experience practicing law is preferred.

    ● Experience with ICWA, federal Indian Law, and/or Tribal Law is a plus.

    ● Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

    ● Developed attention to detail and deadlines.

    ● Willingness to maintain / facilitate grant reporting.

    ● Be culturally competent.

    ● Previous experience with underrepresented and marginalized communities is a plus.

    ● Willingness to travel to Eastern Washington tribal reservations.

    Compensation

    SILC’s full time exempt Staff Attorney position salary range is $85,000 to $98,000 annually, depending on experience, and paid twice monthly. Our work is client-focused; hours worked should align with the needs of clients and are expected to fit within SILC’s

    needs and professional responsibilities. Typical office hours are between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

    SILC has a 35-hour workweek with competitive compensation that includes:

    ● 13 paid holidays annually, including the fourth Friday in November, and December 24th.

    ● Accrued sick leave at a minimum of one hour for every 35 hours worked.

    ● Accrued paid vacation days at a minimum of two hours for every 35 hours worked.

    Medical Benefit Stipend

    To help offset the cost of health insurance premiums or other healthcare expenses, SILC provides a monthly medical benefit stipend to cover health insurance related expenses. Full-time employees receive a stipend, negotiable upon hire.

    This benefit reflects SILC’s commitment to employee well-being and provides flexibility for staff to choose healthcare coverage that best fits their individual needs.

    Equal Opportunity Employer

    SILC is an equal opportunity employer.

    We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous peoples and individuals who share a commitment to advancing justice, equity, and community well-being.

    To apply, please send resume and cover letter to:

    Email: juliana@sageilc.org

    Mail: 35 W. Main Ave. STE 321, Spokane, WA 99205-0119