Temp Staff Attorney Family Law - Hybrid

Description

We're a dynamic legal non-profit committed to fighting injustice and advocating for social, economic, and racial equity by providing compassionate, holistic, and impactful legal services. Join our team, and together we can work towards a world where equity and justice are not a goal, but a given!

The Temporary Family Law Unit Staff Attorney will work as a member of the family law unit to provide legal advice and representation to low-income clients in family law cases. This full-time, exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload of full representation, limited scope, and proper assistance in family law cases in the areas of dissolution of marriage, paternity actions, domestic violence proceedings, child custody and visitation, support, and other family law matters.
• Direct and supervise the legal work of paralegal and law students, interns, and volunteers, as needed.
• Prepare pleadings, motions, declarations, trial briefs, and points and authorities for family law proceedings.
• Propound and respond to discovery, including taking and defending depositions.
• Negotiate and prepare settlement agreements.
• Represent clients at court appearances, including contested hearings.
• Dependent on grant, assist with grant reporting and tracking grant deliverables.
• Represent, counsel, and advise clients in legal matters.
• Maintain detailed and accurate case notes and timekeeping daily in our case management system (LegalServer).
• Interview clients. Effectively and efficiently communicate and work with our clients.
• Conduct case investigation, witness interviews, and both factual and legal research.
• Research and write pleadings, memoranda, correspondence, and other legal documents.
• Work with community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials.
• Engage in policy advocacy, coordinate, and collaborate in policy campaigns with partner community-based organizations to improve systemic issues.
• Identify wrap around legal services and work collaboratively with CLA SoCal’s various legal units.
• Foster and demonstrate a multi-cultural perspective of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.
  
  

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree
• An active member in good standing with the California Bar or member to another state bar and ability to register as a legal services provider.
• Knowledge of family law including, but not limited to domestic violence proceedings,?dissolution of marriage, legal separation, or nullity of marriage litigation, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, and modifications of orders- Preferred.
• Litigation experience including representing clients in hearings, law and motion practice, taking and defending depositions, and propounding and responding to discovery – Preferred.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, survivors of?domestic violence, sexual assault, or other trauma - Preferred.
• Articulate, creative, and passionate advocate with excellent written and oral communication skills, computer skills, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong personal work ethic, initiative, and ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet critical deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to spot legal issues and comfort with providing real-time counsel and advice.
• Strong interpersonal skills, client communication skills, and passion for working with indigent clients.
• Strong technical skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Great organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Desire to learn as well as share knowledge with other team members.
• Empathetic and energetic attitude while working with others.
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.
• Proven interest in social justice issues.
• Ability to model CLA SoCal’s values (compassion, collaboration, trust, accountability, and equity) in the performance of job duties – Required.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy and ability to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners - Required.
• Prior legal services advocacy experience – Preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish – Preferred.
  
  

Holistic Benefits

In addition to a collaborative team spirit and learning culture, Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) offers a comprehensive and competitive salary and benefits package that includes group health and life insurance with optional employee buy-in, long-term disability, and various optional benefits such as pet insurance. We offer a flexible and hybrid work schedule. Our staff members can work as few as 35-hour week. Some positions may work beyond a 35-hour week, including evening and weekend events, when caseload or other obligations so necessitate. Employees enjoy a work-life balance with 16 paid holidays a year, paid vacation, sick, and personal/well-being leave. Employee Assistance Program, Law School Loan Reimbursement Program, flexible parental leave, and 401k with employer contribution are available. Employees who can prove bilingual proficiency are eligible for a monetary bonus. We constantly look for opportunities to enhance our programs, reward our teammates, and update our benefits offerings regularly.

About CLA SoCal

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a diverse non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We focus on removing barriers to equitable access and providing compassionate, high-quality legal aid. CLA SoCal aims to fill all positions with people who share our values and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We provide equal employment opportunities and strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities.

Please note research suggests that individuals identifying as Black, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Indigenous, members of the LGBTQIA community, women, and people living with disabilities may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.