Staff Attorney

Overview

A legal services organization is seeking a Temporary Disaster Preparedness Staff Attorney to support statewide disaster response efforts. This full-time, exempt, union position is temporary for 15 months and offers flexible work location options including in-person, hybrid, or remote near any of the organization's offices in California.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal services to low-income clients and groups, including administrative advocacy aligned with program priorities.
• Engage in statewide impact activities such as institutional and group litigation or community economic development benefiting low-income communities.
• Develop leadership in collaboration with community, client, and advocacy groups on statewide impact issues.
• Build specialized knowledge in poverty law and serve as a resource through participation in task forces.
• Coordinate advocacy efforts with human services providers, non-profits, and community organizations.
• Participate in training programs, case reviews, staff meetings, and other organizational activities.
• Deliver community education on legal rights and prepare related materials.
• Collaborate with private bar members as needed.
• Maintain accurate time records in the case management system.
• Foster positive working relationships with office staff.
• Develop a disaster preparedness guide and toolkit to assist local offices in responding to natural disasters.
• Train staff on the use of the guide and toolkit.
• Support local staff in implementing disaster response during the fellowship.

Requirements

• Graduation from law school within the last 3 years.
• Admission to practice law in California, including provisionally licensed lawyers.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income clients.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks, and maintain attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain positive relationships with diverse populations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with low-income families and communities.
• Background in non-profit legal services.
• Prior legal services experience and additional language skills relevant to the client base.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $73,000 to $104,000, based on years admitted to practice and relevant experience.
• Competitive public interest salary scale.
• Comprehensive benefits including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and short & long-term disability insurance for employees; up to 50% coverage for dependents.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions effective immediately.
• Some professional dues paid (including bar fees).
• Loan Reimbursement Assistance Program (LRAP) up to $8,000 for qualified candidates.
• Generous paid leave: 15 days sick leave, 15 holidays annually, and vacation accrual starting at 15 days per year, increasing to 20 days after one year.
• Union membership with Legal Service Workers for Rural California (LSWRC).

Additional Information

• The organization requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, defined as a CDC-approved vaccination plus one booster shot. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
• This job description is subject to change and does not encompass all duties that may be assigned.

Location

• Work location is flexible: in-person, hybrid, or remote near any office within California.

The organization is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and encourages applications from women, persons of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.