Application Guide
How to Apply for Staff Attorney
at Civil Survival Project
🏢 About Civil Survival Project
Civil Survival is a unique nonprofit founded by people directly impacted by the criminal legal system, dedicated to organizing system-impacted individuals, providing legal representation, and advocating for policy reform. Working here means being part of a mission-driven team that envisions a world without incarceration and values lived experience as a critical asset.
About This Role
As a Staff Attorney, you'll provide direct legal representation to formerly incarcerated individuals in Washington State, focusing on removing legal barriers to reentry such as LFO remission, State v. Blake relief, record vacation, and sex offense registration relief. You'll also manage large-scale projects, engage in appellate litigation, and create educational materials, making a tangible impact on clients' lives and systemic change.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start with checking emails and prioritizing client calls, then conducting virtual client intakes for LFO remission or Blake relief cases. Afternoons could involve drafting legal documents, preparing for hearings, or collaborating with colleagues on a mass assistance day project, followed by a training session for community partners.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Civil Survival Project Is Looking For
- -
- L
- i
- c
- e
- n
- s
- e
- d
- t
- o
- p
- r
- a
- c
- t
- i
- c
- e
- l
- a
- w
- i
- n
- W
- a
- s
- h
- i
- n
- g
- t
- o
- n
- S
- t
- a
- t
- e
- (
- o
- r
- a
- b
- l
- e
- t
- o
- o
- b
- t
- a
- i
- n
- a
- d
- m
- i
- s
- s
- i
- o
- n
- p
- r
- o
- m
- p
- t
- l
- y
- )
- -
- E
- x
- p
- e
- r
- i
- e
- n
- c
- e
- i
- n
- c
- r
- i
- m
- i
- n
- a
- l
- d
- e
- f
- e
- n
- s
- e
- ,
- r
- e
- e
- n
- t
- r
- y
- l
- a
- w
- ,
- o
- r
- c
- i
- v
- i
- l
- l
- e
- g
- a
- l
- a
- i
- d
- ,
- w
- i
- t
- h
- f
- a
- m
- i
- l
- i
- a
- r
- i
- t
- y
- w
- i
- t
- h
- L
- F
- O
- s
- ,
- v
- a
- c
- a
- t
- i
- n
- g
- c
- o
- n
- v
- i
- c
- t
- i
- o
- n
- s
- ,
- a
- n
- d
- B
- l
- a
- k
- e
- r
- e
- l
- i
- e
- f
- -
- S
- t
- r
- o
- n
- g
- l
- i
- t
- i
- g
- a
- t
- i
- o
- n
- s
- k
- i
- l
- l
- s
- ,
- i
- n
- c
- l
- u
- d
- i
- n
- g
- a
- p
- p
- e
- l
- l
- a
- t
- e
- e
- x
- p
- e
- r
- i
- e
- n
- c
- e
- ,
- a
- n
- d
- a
- b
- i
- l
- i
- t
- y
- t
- o
- h
- a
- n
- d
- l
- e
- c
- o
- m
- p
- l
- e
- x
- c
- a
- s
- e
- s
- -
- C
- o
- m
- m
- i
- t
- m
- e
- n
- t
- t
- o
- r
- a
- c
- i
- a
- l
- e
- q
- u
- i
- t
- y
- a
- n
- d
- s
- o
- c
- i
- a
- l
- j
- u
- s
- t
- i
- c
- e
- ,
- w
- i
- t
- h
- c
- u
- l
- t
- u
- r
- a
- l
- h
- u
- m
- i
- l
- i
- t
- y
- a
- n
- d
- a
- b
- i
- l
- i
- t
- y
- t
- o
- w
- o
- r
- k
- w
- i
- t
- h
- d
- i
- v
- e
- r
- s
- e
- ,
- s
- y
- s
- t
- e
- m
- -
- i
- m
- p
- a
- c
- t
- e
- d
- c
- o
- m
- m
- u
- n
- i
- t
- i
- e
- s
📝 Tips for Applying to Civil Survival Project
In your cover letter, explicitly mention any personal or professional connection to the criminal legal system (e.g., direct experience, family, or volunteer work) and how it informs your passion for this role.
Highlight specific examples of your experience with LFO remission, Blake relief, record vacation, or sex offense registration relief, even if from a clinic, pro bono, or prior job.
Demonstrate your ability to manage projects, such as organizing legal clinics or mass assistance days, by detailing your role and outcomes.
Tailor your resume to emphasize remote work experience and proficiency with virtual communication tools, as the role is remote.
Research Washington State's specific laws and recent changes (e.g., State v. Blake) and mention them in your application to show your knowledge and initiative.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
1. Your commitment to the mission of restoring opportunity for system-impacted individuals and your understanding of the barriers they face. 2. Your direct experience with the legal issues mentioned in the job description, with concrete examples of successful outcomes. 3. Your ability to work independently in a remote setting and manage multiple projects, including large-scale events. 4. Your alignment with the organization's values, especially if you have lived experience or have worked closely with affected communities.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read Civil Survival's website, especially their mission, vision, and recent victories or campaigns.
- → Familiarize yourself with Washington State's LFO laws, the State v. Blake decision, and the process for vacating convictions and sex offense registration relief.
- → Look up recent news or reports about Civil Survival's mass assistance days or policy advocacy to understand their impact.
- → Review the Washington State Bar Association's rules for remote practice and any requirements for out-of-state attorneys if applicable.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Civil Survival or Washington State's specific legal landscape.
- Avoid emphasizing a desire for a 'cushy' remote job; instead, highlight your passion for the mission and willingness to do challenging work.
- Don't overlook the importance of lived experience in your application; if you have any, share it. If not, explain how you center impacted communities in your work.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Civil Survival Project!