Staff Attorney

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.

• 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

• 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

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.

Please submit:

• Resume

• Cover letter describing your interest in joining Carolina Parent Defenders

• Writing Sample No More Than 5 Pages

Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit your application materials in one 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.