Sorry, this listing is no longer accepting applications. Don’t worry, we have more awesome opportunities and internships for you.

Staff Attorney – Complex Litigation

Community Legal Aid SoCal

Staff Attorney – Complex Litigation

Santa Ana, CA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Job Description

    WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

    Community Legal Aid SoCal’s Complex Litigation Unit (CLU) is seeking a staff attorney with 5+ years of civil practices experience to join its team. The Staff Attorney will work with CLU to develop and pursue impact litigation and advocacy across several different practice areas. This full-time exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney. CLU takes on systemic issues that affect our neighbors, including homelessness and a lack of affordable housing, civil rights violations, and policies and practices that unduly burden low-income communities and communities of color. The Unit specializes in working with CLA SoCal’s staff as well as community partners to identify legal solutions to tough societal problems; and once identified, uses several strategies including negotiation, litigation, and appeal at the state and federal levels to achieve solutions. Recent advocacies include litigation on behalf of homeless residents denied access to mental health; suits against municipalities for failure to follow affordable housings laws; appellate litigation to increase protections for survivor of domestic violence; and advocacy to improve access to justice for recipients of means-tested benefits.

    RESPONSIBILITIES

    • Work collaboratively with the CLU to identify, investigate and pursue impact litigation.

    • Lead advocacies, including investigation, discovery, research, negotiation, litigation, and appellate advocacy.

    • Coordinate with clients and community partners. Support advocacies lead by other team members.

    • Work with CLA SoCal’s substantive units to identify and address systemic issues impacting their clients.

    • Represent clients, counsel and advise clients in legal matters.

    • Interview clients. Effectively and efficiently communicate with clients.

    • Engage in case investigation, witness interviews, 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.

    • Work with community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials.

    • Identify wrap around legal services and work collaboratively with CLA SoCal’s various legal units.

    • Work with a multi-cultural perspective of inclusion and diversity.

    • Follow all organizational and grant compliance policies and procedures.

    • Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

     

    QUALIFICATIONS

    • Juris Doctor degree and an active member in good standing of the California Bar or member to another state bar and ability to register as a legal services provider.

    • 5+ years of experience in litigation required.

    • Extensive knowledge of civil litigation including experience related to pre-litigation investigation; discovery; drafting and responding to substantive motions; making appearances.

    • Experience supervising litigation, including paralegals and other attorneys.

    • Strong personal work ethic, initiative, and ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet critical deadlines with minimal supervision.

    • Strong interpersonal skill, client communication skills (written and verbal) and comfort working with indigent clients.

    • Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).

    • Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.

    • Bilingual proficiency – Preferred.

     

    WHAT WE OFFER

    Our staff members work a 35-hour week. We offer an outstanding benefit package which includes medical/dental, 401k with employer contribution; life insurance with an optional employee buy-in; and short-term and long-term disability. Our employees have access to paid holidays, vacation, personal time, and sick time on their first day. Employee Assistance Program available. Employees who are able to prove bilingual proficiency are eligible for a monetary bonus.

    TO APPLY

    Send resume and cover letter to Human Resources at humanresources@clsocal.org. Visit www.communitylegalsocal.org for more information about CLA SoCal.

    Community Legal Aid SoCal is an equal opportunity employer

    Company Description

    Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a 501(c)(3) diverse non-profit organization that was founded in 1958 for the purpose of providing civil legal services to low-income individuals and seniors. We focus on removing barriers to equitable access and provide compassionate, high-quality legal aid. CLA SoCal has a staff of more than 100 employees and two offices in Orange County and two offices in Southeast Los Angeles County. Employees are offered professional development and growth opportunities, a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative team spirit. This is an excellent opportunity to work with an organization committed to serving and making an impact in the community.