Supervising Attorney

Overview

This position is open to applicants who reflect a wide range of lived experiences. People with disabilities, people of color, people in all protected classes, and formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply.

The organization is committed to creating an equitable, accessible, and inclusive experience for all applicants.

Reasonable Accommodations

Examples of reasonable accommodations for the hiring process may include:

• American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
• Alternative formats for interview materials (e.g., large print, Braille, digital files)
• Interview questions provided prior to the interview
• Extended interview time
• A quiet or distraction-free interview setting
• Accessibility adjustments to the interview format
• Assistance with reading or note-taking during interviews

If you require an accommodation due to a disability to complete the application, or if you experience issues submitting the application and accompanying materials, request assistance as provided in the application instructions.

Purpose of the Job

The Supervising Attorney works collaboratively with the ACE Supervision Team and other staff. This role oversees and manages intake, outreach, and limited short-term assistance to ensure services meet grant deliverables and requirements. Reporting is to the Managing Attorney. The position may oversee the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program.

Responsibilities

The organization provides reasonable disability accommodations to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Supervision (70%)

• Supervise attorneys and advocates, including workload management, training, mentoring, and monitoring staff.
• Lead a work team with a focus on developing and implementing strategies to accomplish team goals.
• Ensure work complies with grant requirements and meets procedural and quality standards, including proper handling of personally identifiable information.
• Conduct at least weekly teleconferences with attorneys and advocates regarding work.
• Respond to inquiries and complaints concerning services.
• Train attorneys, advocates, clients, and others in substantive disability rights law.

Support (20%)

• Collaborate with the ACE Supervision Team to lead and/or assist in ACE projects and work, including leading hiring teams.
• Coordinate with colleagues to maximize resources and promote quality client services.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews of casework and outreach on a regular periodic basis.
• Compile reports by supervisees for submission to the LAU Director in support of LAU grant reporting obligations.

Community-based Advocacy (10%)

• Perform outreach and support and monitor supervisee outreach efforts to traditionally underserved communities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises multiple attorneys and/or advocates and reports to a Managing Attorney, Associate Director, or Director.
• Supervises in accordance with agency policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, training, planning and assigning work, appraising performance, monitoring and managing performance and job satisfaction, and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications (Applicants must meet each to be considered for an interview)

• Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) or equivalent, and membership in the California State Bar.
• 7 years of experience practicing law; or internal candidates who have worked for three continuous years at the organization and have 6 years of experience practicing law.
• Demonstrated commitment—through lived experience and/or employment history—to working with people with disabilities and low-income clients, incorporating race equity and community lawyering principles into work.
• 2 years of experience successfully leading, developing, mentoring, or supervising law clerks, attorneys, or advocates.
• Expertise in one or more substantive areas of law related to the position.
• 2 years of successfully leading multiple advocacy projects, such as intake/outreach projects, administrative proceedings, writs, or single client lawsuits.

Desirable Qualifications (Not required for interview consideration)

• Able to communicate fluently in American Sign Language or other non-English language.
• Experience in client representation, particularly in public interest and civil rights law.
• Experience with advocacy for D/deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.
• Experience with pro per legal clinics.
• Project management and supervision experience.
• Experience in the disability rights movement and/or extensive contacts in the disability community.
• Experience with and/or extensive contacts in ethnic or language distinct communities.
• Familiarity and/or extensive contacts with one or more of the following: Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities.

Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel routinely, up to 25% of the time, for activities such as hearings or trial, client visits, team meetings, education, training, or outreach activities.
• More travel may be required to meet client, program, or funder requirements.

Working Conditions

• Duties are performed between an office or home environment and field settings, including health care facilities; client, group, or family homes; community agencies; community-based outpatient settings; and courthouses or other institutional settings.
• Work areas are often noisy.
• Duties require regular communications over online platforms.
• Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, training, and community events.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary

• $89,435–$130,958 annually (Band 12, Step A–J)

Salary offers are determined through a structured analysis that considers relevant education and years of substantially similar experience for the position.

Benefits

• 8% match – 401(k)
• Health benefits (HMO options)
• Additional benefits: dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care, and commuter)
• Health Reimbursement Accounts for some HMO plans
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Teladoc
• Ample vacation, Sick / Self Care time, and holidays (including the last week in December)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)-eligible employer

Location and Employment Details

• Remote (Must Live in California)
• Employment Status: Exempt; Regular; Full-time

Application Information

• Open until filled.
• Resume, cover letter, and writing sample are reviewed and required.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.