GAL Attorney Advocate

at  North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

SALARY GRADE: Grade 23

The statewide Guardian ad Litem Program (GAL) provides legal representation of abused, neglected and dependent child clients in juvenile court proceedings. Once a juvenile petition is filed by a division of social services, a GAL attorney advocate is appointed to protect the child’s legal rights and represent the juvenile’s best interest throughout the court proceedings, through the presentation of evidence and facilitation of settlements, when appropriate. The attorney advocate also advises GAL program supervisory staff and volunteers regarding the legal interests of child clients to promote their safety, well-being, and permanency.

• Advocate for the best interests of the GAL child clients and assure protection of their legal rights in abuse, neglect and dependency cases.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant law, including case opinions, statutory amendments, and relevant rules of court.
• Review, draft, issue, and serve court orders when entered.
• File appropriate motions, including staff case, drafting, filing, serving and scheduling motions for hearing.
• Facilitate the settlement of disputed issues including entering stipulations or negotiating consent orders.
• Analyze documentary evidence in the form of Department of Social Services, Mental Health, medial and substance abuse records.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES / COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of: GAL Program policies and procedures, child neglect and abuse law, NC Juvenile Code and relevant case law; trial and appellate court processes, GAL training materials, word processing, and computer systems to support duties and responsibilities.
Skill in: written and oral communication; research using Lexis, internet, and the NC Courts website; organizing and expressing ideas and legal concepts orally and in writing; legal analysis; and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with GAL program staff and volunteer advocates.
Ability to: effectively advocate in court; employ strong negotiating skills; draft any necessary motions or memoranda of law; advocate for the best interests of juveniles and for the best practice policies and procedures of the GAL Program.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Juris Doctor Degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school and an active license to practice law in North Carolina.
Management prefers candidates with two (2) years of legal or trial experience in juvenile court and a thorough understanding of the NC Juvenile Code and relevant case law. Experience working with volunteers or experience volunteering at other organizations is a plus.

Please refer the Job description for details