Application Guide

How to Apply for Staff Attorney

at QLaw Foundation of Washington

🏢 About QLaw Foundation of Washington

QLaw Foundation of Washington uniquely focuses on empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ communities through legal advocacy and education specifically within Washington state. Unlike broader national organizations, they build deep local relationships and create culturally competent legal resources tailored to Washingtonians' needs. Their mission-driven approach combines direct legal assistance with community education, making them a vital resource for marginalized populations.

About This Role

This Staff Attorney role involves overseeing legal clinic operations while directly serving 2SLGBTQIA+ clients through litigation, negotiation, and community training. You'll manage volunteer attorneys and interns while developing legal education programs that address specific civil rights challenges facing Washington's LGBTQIA+ community. The position combines leadership, direct client representation, and community outreach to create systemic change.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might begin with reviewing cases for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Legal Clinic, then meeting with volunteer attorneys to assign new client matters. Afternoon could involve preparing for a discrimination negotiation while developing training materials for an upcoming community workshop. The day often ends with documenting clinic activities and coordinating with referral partners on client needs.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who QLaw Foundation of Washington Is Looking For

  • Washington-licensed attorney with 2+ years experience in civil rights, discrimination, or public interest law, particularly serving low-income or marginalized communities
  • Demonstrated knowledge of LGBTQIA+ legal issues, including recent Washington state and federal civil rights cases affecting 2SLGBTQIA+ rights
  • Experience supervising legal teams or volunteers in clinic or legal aid settings, with ability to mentor less experienced attorneys
  • Proven track record developing and delivering legal trainings to diverse audiences, including non-legal community groups

📝 Tips for Applying to QLaw Foundation of Washington

1

Highlight specific Washington state civil rights cases you've worked on or studied, especially those involving LGBTQIA+ discrimination in housing, employment, or healthcare

2

Detail your experience with Washington's legal aid systems and any previous work with 2SLGBTQIA+ clients in the state

3

Provide concrete examples of managing attorney volunteers or supervising legal clinics, not just general leadership experience

4

Mention any previous collaboration with Washington-based LGBTQIA+ organizations or community groups

5

Quantify your training experience: how many sessions you've delivered, to what size audiences, and on which specific LGBTQIA+ legal topics

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience with Washington state civil rights law and the specific legal challenges facing 2SLGBTQIA+ Washingtonians', 'Examples of successfully managing legal volunteers or supervising clinic operations in public interest settings', "Specific training programs you've developed or delivered on LGBTQIA+ legal rights, especially to non-legal audiences", 'Your approach to balancing direct client representation with program oversight responsibilities']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → QLaw Foundation's recent cases and advocacy efforts specific to Washington state (check their annual reports and case summaries)
  • → Washington's specific LGBTQIA+ protections in employment, housing, and healthcare versus federal standards
  • → The organization's current attorney referral program partners and clinic locations across Washington
  • → Recent Washington state legislation affecting 2SLGBTQIA+ rights that QLaw has advocated for or against
Visit QLaw Foundation of Washington's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you handle a complex discrimination case involving a transgender client in Washington's healthcare system?
2 Describe your experience recruiting and managing volunteer attorneys in legal aid settings
3 What specific Washington state laws or cases would you focus on in a 'Know Your Rights' training for LGBTQIA+ youth?
4 How would you balance direct client caseload with supervisory duties for the legal clinic?
5 What strategies would you use to build partnerships with other Washington-based organizations serving 2SLGBTQIA+ communities?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on national LGBTQIA+ issues without demonstrating knowledge of Washington-specific legal landscape
  • Presenting generic legal experience without highlighting work with low-income or marginalized communities
  • Failing to show how you would contribute to both direct service AND community education aspects of the role

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to QLaw Foundation of Washington!

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