CCLS Staff Attorney - Family Law

Reports to 

Directing Attorney

FLSA Status
Full-Time, Exempt (Union position)

Application Deadline  

Until Filled

Salary 

$71,194 - $110,565 per year

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Central California Legal Services (CCLS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was founded in 1966 for the purpose of providing free civil legal services to low-income individuals. CCLS core counties include Fresno, Kings, Mariposa, Merced, Tulare, and Tuolumne. CCLS’s health work also extends to San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Stanislaus counties. In Madera County, CCLS provides limited services to seniors and on health issues. CCLS has offices in Fresno, Merced, and Visalia, and satellite offices in Mendota and Los Banos. With nearly one hundred (100) employees, CCLS’s work includes direct services that meet our clients’ immediate needs, education, and advocacy.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Family Law Staff Attorney will join a dynamic team that combines family law and immigration services to CCLS clients. The Staff Attorney will focus on representation of domestic violence survivors in an effort to provide guidance, legal support and safety. These services will include explanation of related processes and assistance in obtaining restraining orders, child custody orders, child and spousal support orders, and divorces against abusers. 

CCLS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, other non-merit factor or any categories protected by law. We encourage all interested individuals to apply. CCLS is subject to a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

DUTIES

• Advise and represent survivors of domestic violence in related civil proceedings;
• Provide legal representation to clients consistent with CCLS program priorities;
• Identify and analyze systemic issues through individual casework, reviews of the CCLS data, and participation in statewide networks of legal services advocates;
• Co-Counsel with other legal staff and pro bono partners;
• Collaborate with other legal staff, client groups, community-based service providers, and statewide networks;
• Participate in community outreach and education events;
• Attend national or regional trainings as deemed necessary and/or helpful to CCLS, and provide training on lessons learned to other CCLS staff;
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Active member in good standing of the State Bar of California; 
• Minimum 2 years of legal experience;
• Excellent litigation and negotiation skills;
• Collaborative, team-oriented individual able to work with colleagues and external partners;
• Ability to assume responsibility quickly, comfortable under pressure, and able to work independently and as part of a team; 
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills;
• Have an organized, detailed approach;
• Able to use good judgment, multitask, and meet short-notice deadlines;
• Ability to work with a wide range of clients in a kind, appropriate, client-centered manner; 
• Bilingual ability strongly preferred;
• Commitment to CCLS’ mission and core values;  
• Ability to travel as needed, proof of liability and property insurance on vehicle used.