Senior Attorney

Description

While maintaining an active case load, Senior Attorneys are expected to be leaders within Community Legal Aid SoCal, and to serve as mentors to less experienced attorneys. Senior Attorneys will be expected to be effective representatives of CLA SoCal in court, in the community, before law firms, funders, advocacy partners, and others.

Responsibilities

• All responsibilities described in the Staff Attorney Job Description.

Administrative/Legislative:

• Represent CLA SoCal as a leader in a taskforce, commission or committee outside of CLA SoCal (Cities, LA and OC Bar, other). Work toward a goal of accomplishing systemic change, including legislative and rulemaking advocacy, working with the media, and partnerships with other advocates.
• Represent CLA SoCal clients’ interests before local, state or national legislative and administrative bodies.
• Act as a liaison between staff and public officials.
• Keep CLA SoCal staff apprised of legislation and regulations within the one or more areas of expertise that affect low-income clients. This is done at least twice a year via memo or training.
• Prepare reports as required by funding sources on legislative and administrative activities.
• Assist with coordination of CLA SoCal’s legislative activities with municipal, county, state, and federal legislative and administrative bodies.

Leadership:

• Assist supervisory staff with training and professional development plan for two Advocates.
• Train and mentor at least two CLA SoCal Advocates.
• Prepare and lead a team project with a minimum of a 1-year work plan that is aimed at having an impact in the selected area of practice.
• Take active responsibility for agency-wide committees, multi-unit activities, and task force projects.
• Conceive creative strategies for representation, outreach, policy work, or pro bono engagement and mobilize resources to implement them.
• Assist grants manager in preparation of grant proposals for funding in major area of practice.

Community Engagement:

• Publish articles or educational materials.
• Conduct training at regional or national training events.
• Advance the agency’s professional reputation by being leaders and representatives of CLA SoCal.
• Contribute and facilitate others’ contribution of client stories to CLA development team

Requirements

• All qualifications described in the Staff Attorney Job Description.
• Must have a minimum of seven years of legal experience
• Ability as a superior advocate with excellent broad-based legal skills;
• Critical thinking and creativity in devising advocacy strategies on behalf of clients;
• Ability to work collaboratively within CLA SoCal and throughout the community;
• Time management skills and ability to effectively prioritize work;
• Special expertise or knowledge of at least one area of law or practice that has a significant benefit for the low-income communities served by CLA SoCal;
• Knowledge and involvement in regional issues and activities affecting poor people;
• Knowledge of and involvement in leaderships positions in CLA SoCal (Training, Pro Bono, Technology, Fundraising, and/or Media);
• Willingness to develop knowledge in other areas as necessary to respond to client needs and agency priorities;
• Ability to initiate and complete major advocacy efforts or transactional matters effectively and efficiently, and to produce high quality work with acceptable results;
• Ability to be self-reflective and give and receive constructive and corrective feedback with supervisors and colleagues; and
• Embrace Work/Life Balance to maintain ability to continue to provide quality legal services.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Depending on work assignment, may require ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations or the ability to stand, walk and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of up to 20 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate office equipment and read technical information. Overall mobility is essential. May include sitting for long periods of time, driving a vehicle and working under challenging conditions.
• Work is performed indoors with some potential for exposure to safety and health hazards related to human services work. May travel and participate in regional, state and national meetings and conferences.

About Community Legal Aid

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a diverse non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We focus on removing barriers to equitable access and provide compassionate, high-quality legal aid. Employees are offered professional development and growth opportunities, a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative team spirit. Community Legal Aid SoCal is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

CLA SoCal’s Mission

Community Legal Aid SoCal helps our neighbors fight injustice by providing compassionate, high-quality legal aid and advocating for stronger communities.