Staff Attorney

Overview

A legal services organization focused on serving low-income clients in rural California is seeking a Staff Attorney to join their Statewide Organization Support (SOS) Team. This full-time, exempt, union position offers the opportunity to provide legal assistance across multiple offices, supporting communities facing barriers to civil rights in areas such as housing, employment, health, and public education.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal services including advice, negotiation, litigation, and administrative advocacy to low-income clients in accordance with program priorities and policies.
• Support all offices and programs statewide by offering flexible legal assistance during transitions, leaves, vacancies, or unexpected situations.
• Review and supervise work of community workers and clerical staff related to client cases.
• Engage in significant statewide impact activities such as institutional and group litigation or community economic development.
• Develop leadership in collaboration with community, client, and advocacy groups on statewide impact issues.
• Build specialized knowledge in a substantive area of poverty law and serve as a resource through participation in task forces.
• Coordinate advocacy efforts with other human services providers, non-profits, and community groups.
• Participate in training programs, case reviews, staff meetings, and other organizational activities.
• Provide community education on legal rights and prepare related materials.
• Collaborate with private bar members as needed.
• Maintain contemporaneous time records in the case management system.
• Foster positive working relationships with all office staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Admission to practice law in California or willingness to take the next California Bar Exam.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income clients.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks with 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 a non-profit legal services environment.
• 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 law and relevant experience.
• Competitive public interest salary scale.
• Comprehensive benefits package including 100% employer-covered 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 (e.g., Bar fees).
• Loan Reimbursement Assistance Program (LRAP) up to $8,000 for qualified candidates.
• Generous paid leave: 15 days sick leave, 15 holidays annually, vacation accrual starting at 15 days in the first year and increasing to 20 days after one year.
• Union membership with Legal Service Workers for Rural California (LSWRC).

Location

• Modesto area with remote work options.

Additional Information

• The organization requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, defined as having a CDC-approved vaccination plus one booster shot. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
• This job description is not exhaustive and duties may change with or without notice.
• The employer is an equal opportunity organization committed to diversity and encourages applications from women, persons of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.