Affirmative Litigation Staff Attorney

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Job location
2115 Kern Street, Suite 200
Fresno, CA, CA 93721
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
Central California Legal Services (Main Branch)
Street address: 
2115 Kern Street, Suite 200
City: 
Fresno, CA
State: 
California
ZIP: 
93721
Job type: 
Legal - Civil
Position Description: 

CCLS seeks an experienced litigator to join our growing affirmative and impact litigation team. The ideal candidate has handled cases from inception to resolution, having had primary responsibility for written discovery, depositions and law and motion work. Some trial experience is preferred but not required. We are looking for a passionate advocate who is committed to access to justice for all and providing exceptional representation to the disenfranchised. We offer the opportunity to further develop your litigation skills and to help grow and shape the litigation that CCLS undertakes to address the legal barriers of individuals and communities living in poverty.

Our team values positive interpersonal skills, collaboration, communication, feedback, professionalism, social consciousness, a strong work ethic and a sense of humor. We provide a supportive environment for attorneys training to become great litigators, or for more senior litigators looking to transition to deeply meaningful community work later in their career.
This is a full-time position, but part-time would be considered for a candidate with prior substantial litigation experience.

DUTIES
• Case evaluation and development;
• Maintain a significant litigation case load (intake through trial), both as lead attorney on some matters and as part of a team on others;
• Effectively negotiate favorable settlements, both formally and informally, and strategically implement a settlement strategy when necessary or appropriate;
• Work with other CCLS advocates and the affirmative litigation team as a whole to ensure delivery of high-quality legal representation to clients consistent with CCLS program priorities;
• Assist the Director of Litigation in developing and maintaining relationships with client groups and community-based service providers to help identify community lawyering opportunities;
• Assist the team in identifying and analyzing systemic issues through positive connections with other CCLS legal teams and community organizations;
• 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.

CCLS BENEFITS PACKAGE OVERVIEW:
Work/Life Balance
· 7.5 hour work day / 37.5 hour week
· 14.5 Paid Holidays
· Free wellness counseling & resources
· Union protection for applicable positions
Rewards for Dedication
· Annual pay increases
· Overtime for Hourly/Non-exempt staff
· Compensatory Time for Salaried/Exempt staff
More than Base Pay
· School Loan Assistance up to $500/month
· Bilingual Pay up to $90/month
· Home internet reimbursement of $25/month
· CCLS issued laptop & cell phone
· CA State Bar dues paid in full
· Mileage reimbursement
Retirement Contribution
· CCLS contributes to staff 403(b) plans starting at the one-year anniversary:
o Year 1 to 2 – 1% of salary contributed
o Year 2 to 3 – 2% of salary contributed
o Year 3 to 4 – 3% of salary contributed
o Year 4 to 5 – 4% of salary contributed
o Year 5+ - 5% of salary contributed
Group Health Insurance
· Coverage begins 1st of the month following hire date
· CCLS pays 100% for staff health insurance coverage
· CCLS pays 67% of staff dependent health insurance coverage
· Low-Cost Plans for:
o Dental PPO & Vision Insurance
o Long term disability & life insurance
o Workers Compensation coverage
Cash Out Options
· Vacation Cash Out:
o Accrued vacation cashed out & added to paycheck upon request
· Overtime Pay Out (Non-Exempt Staff):
o OT paid out within 30 days of accrual, per State standards
Computer Loan Fund
· Up to $1,500 interest free loan to assist staff with personal computer purchase
State Bar Exam Leave & Loan
· Protected leave for CA Bar Exam
· Interest-free loan for Bar Exam & study course fees
· Up to 8 weeks salary advance

Requirements: 

• Member in good standing of the State Bar of California;
• Strong legal writing, research, editing and analytical skills;
• Experience in all stages of civil litigation;
• Ability and willingness to expand substantive legal knowledge in new practice areas as needed, and to have the flexibility required to effectively partner with other CCLS legal teams to ensure exceptional client outcomes;
• Experience working with low-income clients (preferred);
• Ability to communicate effectively with people with communication barriers including those who are stressed or confused, those who suffer from physical or mental disabilities or those for whom English is a second language;
• Bilingual ability desirable and eligible for salary adjustment (Hmong/English or Spanish/English especially relevant);
• Excellent communication skills;
• Comfortable working under pressure, including tight deadlines and challenging topics/clients/opposing attorneys;
• Commitment to the rights and empowerment of our clients;
• Commitment to participation in CCLS’ efforts to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging;
• Ability to travel as needed and proof of liability and property insurance on vehicle used.

To apply: 

• Website: Please visit https://www.centralcallegal.org/careers/ to submit an online application.
• Direct Application Link:
https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/2670803/Central...
• Email: Please email the application resume and cover letter to the General Counsel, Jonathan Ota, at [email protected].

Notes: 
Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary range: 
$77,746 to $115,537 Per Year