PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley advances the rights of historically excluded individuals and families across Santa Clara County through legal services, strategic advocacy, and educational outreach. Now with over 90 employees, the Law Foundation is the largest provider of free legal services in the South Bay. Located in downtown San Jose, the Law Foundation is a dynamic and interesting place to work. We pride ourselves on fostering a work environment that is motivating, collaborative and fun, with plenty of opportunities for professional growth. We are working towards a Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC)-centered legal services practice that incorporates community and movement lawyering. Our focus areas include health, housing, and children and youth.
JOB DESCRIPTION
LACY (Legal Advocates for Children & Youth) seeks a staff attorney to work in our juvenile dependency unit. The attorney will accept court appointments to represent minors subject to petitions alleging abuse and neglect. Frequent court appearances will be required in this position. It is anticipated that the attorney will appear primarily on a law and motion calendar. Trial litigation will also be required in this position. The attorney will work in tandem with a LACY social worker to assess the needs of minor clients. The attorney will meet with clients in a variety of environments, including office, school, and home settings. It is expected that the attorney will also provide advocacy for juvenile dependent clients in other legal areas, including education. This position will also require participation in LACY’s regular team meetings, staff meetings, and program development activities including assisting the LACY Directing Attorney and Supervising Attorney.
PRIMARY DUTIES
• Provide representation, advocacy, and information for minors in the juvenile dependency system.
• Courtroom advocacy to include trial calendar and law and motion appearances.
• Identify other legal issues for dependent minors and advocate as appropriate.
• Participate in regular meetings with LACY and Law Foundation staff.
• Participate in general office upkeep duties, including computer data entry of intake information, filing, copying, drafting and filing court documents, and serving notice.
• Maintain statistics on youth served and billing records.
TEMPORARY COVID-19 REMOTE WORK
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Law Foundation of Silicon Valley employees are currently working remotely for the foreseeable future, subject to some exceptions. The Law Foundation has implemented rigorous health and safety protocols to minimize risk of exposure for staff who occasionally need, or want, to work from the office. Due to the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on personal lives, the Law Foundation is open to providing flexibility regarding work schedules to the extent feasible for the position.
COMPENSATION
Salary scale starts at $70,000 ; compensation based upon bar admission date and comparable experience. All compensation determined by the wage table of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement between SEIU Local 521 and LFSV. Excellent benefits provided, including paid holidays, vacation, health insurance and 401(k). More information regarding the Law Foundation is available on our website: www.lawfoundation.org.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• California Bar Membership or Provisional license
• Experience in courtroom advocacy preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to the rights of children & youth.
• Experience in practice of youth law.
• Ability to identify, investigate, and resolve client problems.
• Ability to work independently and be self‐motivated.
• Ability to manage multiple clients in high‐stress situations.
• Ability to engage in trauma-informed practice/work sensitively and productively with minors who have suffered abuse and neglect and those from diverse backgrounds.
• Valid Driver’s License or other transportation to attend hearings, home visits, and outreach presentations.
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, writing, interviewing, and organizational skills.
• Experience working with individuals from multiethnic communities desired.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Frequent use of computer keyboard.
• Use of office equipment, such as copier, printer, and fax.
• Ability to enter home environments with smoke or other potentially sensitive qualities.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until position is filled. Please submit the following via email to [email protected]: (1) a resume, (2) at least three professional references, and (3) a cover letter that explains your interest and also addresses the question below.
In order to best serve our clients and our community, the Law Foundation is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued. How has your personal background or experiences, professional or otherwise, prepared you to contribute to social justice, race equity and diversity among our staff?
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