Staff Attorney - Guardianship and Family Law Program

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Established in 1983, San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc. (SDVLP) is the oldest and most comprehensive pro bono legal services program in San Diego County.  SDVLP’s mission is to provide equal access to the justice system by serving as a bridge between indigent and other disadvantaged people in San Diego County and the volunteer lawyers who are willing to donate their time and resources.  Our team of talented and passionate employees is collegial, supportive, and committed to providing top-quality legal services to indigent, vulnerable San Diegans.

OCCUPATIONAL SUMMARY

The Staff Attorney for SDVLP’s Guardianship and Family Law Program provides top-quality legal advice and representation to low-income San Diegans in their probate guardianship matters and a variety of family law cases, including domestic violence, child custody, and divorce. The attorney works with caregivers and parents to place at-risk children in safe and stable homes while also assisting immigrant and refugee survivors of domestic violence navigate family law issues through our Vision for Justice Collaborative. Additionally, the Staff Attorney will collaborate closely with SDVLP’s Pro Bono team to recruit pro bono attorneys, train and mentor them, and place clients with attorneys for pro bono representation. The attorney will also perform community outreach, conduct legal education, and supervise non-attorney staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

The Staff Attorney will be responsible for:

• Advising clients, including preparing self-represented litigants for custody and domestic violence restraining order hearings.
• Mentoring, training, and supervising pro bono attorneys.
• Recruiting new pro bono attorney volunteers through community outreach and attendance at networking events. 
• Developing and maintaining written training materials for pro bono attorneys.
• Maintaining a small representation caseload of guardianship and family law cases, including representing clients at court hearings.
• Overseeing Guardianship Clinic, held twice per week at SDVLP’s main office and assisting with family law clinics as needed.
• Maintaining knowledge of other legal services programs to provide targeted referrals for issues outside the scope of SDVLP programs.
• Training and supervising non-attorney staff. 
• Managing and compiling statistical data and assisting with the drafting of narrative reports to funding sources.
• Engaging in other tasks and projects as needed to further SDVLP’s mission. 

Work Environment:

• This position is on a hybrid rotation, requiring ability to work on site a minimum of 2-3 days per week; minimum 37.50-hour work week.
• No billable hours requirement.

Salary & Benefits:

• The salary range is $75,000 - $80,000 DOE.
• SDVLP covers 100% of the premium for employee medical insurance – eligibility for health care coverage is the 1^st of the month after 30 days of employment. Dependent coverage available.
• Dental, vision and life insurance coverage.
• 401K retirement plan with generous employer match after 6 months of employment.
• 15 days paid annual leave (increases to 20 days after 2 years), 10 days paid sick leave, 16 paid holidays and other time off programs.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• SDVLP is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

SDVLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be a member in good standing of the California Bar.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have excellent mentorship and teaching skills.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to successfully work as part of a team, and with the public, volunteers, court personnel, government agencies, and partner organizations.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with accuracy and minimal direction.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required by events and deadlines.
• Excellent Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income and disadvantaged people.
• Ability to travel to court hearings and SDVLP’s other offices throughout San Diego County, as necessary. 

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 1+ years of family law experience, preferred.
• Spanish written and speaking ability, preferred.