Trainee Legal Advocate

SUMMARY: Under the supervision of an attorney, Trainee Legal Advocates are temporary employees hired to perform work that supports Legal Action’s mission, often in connection with time-limited, grant-funded, fellowship, or service programs. This position is designed as a learning role, with the goal of developing practical skills to support and enhance the delivery of legal services. These positions are not expected to continue beyond the program term, and their continuation is contingent on the availability of dedicated funding.

DUTIES: Trainee Legal Advocate duties, and the amount of time spent on them, may vary depending on the external program participation set by funder, project or program, area of law, group of clients served, and/or offices. Supervisors will assign duties and periodically evaluate and the assignment of duties as the firm’s needs change. Trainee Legal Advocates duties and assignments will progress through the skill development process. Other duties may be occasionally assigned.

Case Management

• Collect and report qualitative and quantitative data as directed.
• Perform case management activities, including collecting client data and completing other administrative tasks.
• Participate in case and data development, including legal research and writing.
• Prepare court pleadings, documents, and forms.

Outreach and Community Education

• Assist with outreach and other activities targeted toward improving access to justice.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities
• Create educational and marketing materials.
• Attend and present at virtual and in-person outreach events.
• Help expand program intake and outreach.
• Provide legal information and referral services.

Other

• Participate and complete all program requirements as defined and set by funding source.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

A highly qualified candidate will have the following skills or show the ability and motivation to learn them:

• Personal experience related to the project’s priorities and stakeholders and a commitment to using that experience to support others.
• High school diploma or GED certificate.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish or English and Hmong is a plus.
• Basic understanding of the core functions and processes of the legal system.
• Ability to professionally and appropriately handle confidential information.
• Ability to comply with legal ethics rules and act ethically.
• Ability to protect client confidences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective interpersonal skills, exemplified by courtesy, diplomacy, positivity, and professionalism.
• Ability to network with professionals.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse groups of people.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.

TRAVEL: Travel occasionally throughout Wisconsin and occasional overnight travel may be required.

SUPERVISOR: Megan Sprecher

NATURE AND SCOPE OF JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES: This is a Trainee Legal Advocate (TLA) position. The work of positions in the TLA classification is typically under immediate supervision and is closely controlled and is highly structured because of the nature of the work itself or because of circumstances under which the job tasks are performed. Clear, specific and detailed instructions, guidelines, procedures and/or rules exist in oral and written formats and thoroughly describe the process for performing a task and/or job duty. There is strict adherence to these guidelines with little or no authority to deviate from the established procedure without supervisory approval.

GOVERNANCE: Trainee Legal Advocates are temporary employees with a limited term of employment set at the time of hire. This position is represented for purposes of collective bargaining by DISTRICT COUNCIL 32, AFSCME, AFL-CIO, and its affiliated LOCAL 1954 (“the Union”), and the collective bargaining agreement between Legal Action and the Union, in addition to Legal Action’s personnel policies, governs this position. New employees may voluntarily join the Union.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: This position involves sedentary work, sitting at a desk on a computer for an extended period, and exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular basis to lift, carry, push, or otherwise move objects. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and/or laptop keyboard and to use a telephone. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision of a computer screen. This position involves driving a motor vehicle while seated occasionally. It may also include driving a motor vehicle while seated for extended periods. This position requires occasional reaching, bending, kneeling, and stooping to retrieve various items and materials.

SALARY: Trainee Legal Advocate is an entry level position with a salary of $39,634.

How to Apply/Deadline for Applications: Applicants must submit the following application materials via Legal Action of Wisconsin's online applicant portal: https://secure2.entertimeonline.com/ta/7988.careers?ApplyToJob=872546562&full_apply=&jobid=872546562

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Please submit and upload all the documents required. If the required documents are not submitted on or before the deadline, your application will be considered incomplete and we may not be able to consider you for this position.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

The position will be open until filled and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit applications by Saturday, August 15, 2026 for prioritization.

Legal Action of Wisconsin, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer