Youth Justice Attorney

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Job location
1735 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, CA 94612
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
Bay Area Legal Aid
Job type: 
Other
Position Description: 

We seek an energetic, culturally competent attorney with a strong commitment to public interest and social justice advocacy to represent youth who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, often due to abuse or neglect. The attorney will focus on providing civil legal services designed to meet the individualized needs of homeless and trafficked youth. Advocacy will be across practice areas, including health access, benefits (e.g. foster care benefits, SSI, CalWORKs, and General Assistance), immigration, permanency, housing, foster care, and education. Clients served by the homeless youth project experience high rates of sexual exploitation, abuse and neglect, and mental health related issues which the attorney will be expected to navigate in providing legal assistance. The successful applicant will be expected to run on-site legal clinics at youth shelters and meet with youth in a variety of locations.

Responsibilities include: client interviews, negotiations with governmental agencies/opposing parties, research and writing, and representation at administrative and court proceedings. The attorney is expected to engage in outreach with social services, law enforcement, youth and trafficking service providers, and other community organizations. The attorney will be based in our Alameda County office but the work will include travel throughout all seven of our Bay Area counties.

Requirements: 

Qualifications:
• California State Bar membership (will be considered if results pending); or admitted to practice in another state and eligible to practice in California for 3 years under the California State Bar rules for the Registered Legal Services Attorney Program (must pass CA bar).
• Strong commitment to youth justice issues and supporting and magnifying youth voice
• Experience interviewing and working with youth is preferred.
• Must be self-directed and be comfortable working in a fast paced, ever-changing environment
• Excellent communications skills, oral and written
• Bilingual skills are preferred but not required
• Demonstrated experience with youth benefits programs, working with youth, trafficking victims, and/or culturally diverse, low-income client populations
• Ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic team
• A valid driver’s license and access to a car

To apply: 

Bay Area Legal Aid thrives on our diversity and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a culturally diverse workplace and strongly encourage women, persons of color, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, persons with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups to apply. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue on a rolling basis, but applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Please send cover letter, resume, references, and writing sample to: Human Resources at [email protected]. Please reference Youth Justice Attorney in your application.

Notes: 
Equal Opportunity Employer
Submission deadline: 
Tuesday, October 18, 2016