Provide high quality legal services, from advice and brief services to full representation; actively collaborate with community groups and nonprofits to devise solutions to problems of poverty in our client communities; and foster a productive relationship with other CCLS staff, the courts, public agencies, and community groups. A commitment to impact litigation as part of a holistic and collaborative advocacy strategy is essential.
RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:
● Work with CCLS advocates to ensure delivery of high quality legal representation to clients consistent with CCLS program priorities.
● Develop and maintain relationships with client groups and community-based service providers, and work with them to identify community lawyering opportunities.
● Identify and analyze systemic issues through individual and impact casework.
● Participate in planning and strategy meetings with project partners and statewide networks of Legal Aid advocates
● Participate in weekly CCLS case review meetings, keep abreast of changes in the law, including continuing legal education, and adhere to CCLS policies and procedures.
● Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:
● Member in good standing of the State Bar of California; or, eligible to practice under the Registered Legal Services Attorney Program and California Bar admission within twelve months of hire;
● Experience working with low-income clients, collaborating effectively with diverse groups of individuals and organizations, and connecting and strategizing with local community leaders;
● Previous Legal Aid or other non-profit legal services experience desirable;
● Bilingual ability strongly preferred (Hmong/English or Spanish/English);
● Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills;
● Comfortable working under pressure, on a team or independently, passionate about the work, inquisitive, and analytical;
● Ability to travel as needed, proof of liability and property insurance on vehicle used
Please e-mail cover letter, résumé, and three references along with a legal writing sample to:
Manuel Romero, Director of Administration
[email protected]
● Please tell us briefly about your experience, if any, doing advocacy work with a low-income community. What skills and qualities did you bring that were important to the effort? What did you learn?
● Please describe your leadership experience, if any.
● Tell us about your connection to the Central Valley: how well do you know it? Do you have ties here? What draws you here?
● Do you have particular interest in being a Legal Aid lawyer? If so, please tell us about that.