Senior Staff Attorney

The Senior Staff Attorney provides consultation & professional representation at hearings or courts on issues such as protection orders, family law, immigration, housing/tenancy, public benefits, education and employment; provides legal training and Know Your Rights Workshops to staff and clients. SJCH serves largely disenfranchised communities – individuals and families living in poverty: immigrants (both documented and undocumented); Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and other People of Color; LGBTQ+; victims of human trafficking and domestic violence; individuals and families affected by the criminal justice system; and disenfranchised youth.  

Senior Staff Attorneys are distinguished from Staff Attorneys and Associate Staff attorneys in that they handle more complex cases and provide general supervision and mentoring to Junior Attorneys, interns, clerks, and support staff.  Senior Staff Attorneys are hired to provide legal representation to patients and community members that are served under various grant funded programs and are expected to hold specific and general expertise in one or more areas of law.  Senior Staff Attorneys are expected to work independently and should have experience in developing case plans and drafting legal documents and briefs. Senior Staff Attorneys may oversee cases handled by more junior attorneys, interns, and pro bono attorneys, and may serve as first or second chair attorney in those cases.  This position is grant funded. The grant may or may not be funded again after that date. Your employment beyond the grant expiration date is not guaranteed. Should the grant not be funded, you are eligible and encouraged to apply for another position within the agency.

BENEFITS:

• Free Medical, Dental & Vision
• 13 Paid Holidays + PTO
• 403 (B) retirement match
• Life Insurance, EAP
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Account
• Continued workforce development & training
• Succession plans & growth within
   

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education, Experience, & Knowledge

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the California State Bar and be in good standing.
• Fluency in Spanish is essential.
• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed lawyering to address the unique needs of the vulnerable population served.
• Minimum of 5 years of legal experience, with a focus on immigration, family law, domestic violence, criminal, and/or civil matters with at least 3 years practicing in a specific LSP subject area.
• Substantial experience representing clients in court or before administrative tribunals.
• Experience supervising and/or overseeing internship and/or pro bono programs.
• 2 years of experience supervising interns and/or attorneys.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills: Ability to engage with diverse community members and convey complex legal concepts in an understandable manner.
• Commitment to public interest law: Passion for serving vulnerable populations and promoting social justice.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Empathy and compassion for individuals facing legal challenges and a commitment to providing high-quality services.
• Flexibility to travel to various outreach locations and work occasional evenings or weekends is required.
• Proficiency in legal research, document preparation, and case management software is necessary.
• Knowledge of community resources and experience in community outreach is beneficial.
• Substantial experience working in underserved communities such as undocumented workers, unaccompanied minors, LGBT populations, communities of color, youth/adolescents, and those experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, and/or mental illness.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs a combination, but not necessarily all, of the following duties:

• Provide counsel and advice to St. John Community Health patients as well as members of the community;
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure clients are provided comprehensive legal and medical services;
• Assist clients in resolving legal issues through advice, in pro per support, and/or representation;
• Screen clients for social determinants of health and refer to other SJCH or external programs as appropriate and consistent with SJCH Legal Services Program policies;
• Draft and/or complete documents, forms and/or briefs, and file with the court or administrative tribunal as appropriate;
• Provide warm hand-off to local non-profits and organization as appropriate;
• Collaborate with Legal Services Program Director and SJCH staff to develop outreach plans to connect with the SJCH and Los Angeles County Community,
• Present Know Your Rights Workshops and educational presentations to SJCH patients, clients, community stakeholders, and SJCH staff and programs;
• Provide information and education to SJCH staff and external community stakeholders on Legal Services Programs and referral processes;

• Attend meetings of various SJCH partners and advocacy organizations to address health disparity and access to justice issues;
• Complete work in a timely manner that is consistent with SJCH Legal Services Program guidelines;
• Track time and grant related activities as required by grant reporting requirements and SJCH Grants Manager;
• Track grant measurables and prepare reporting for funders on a regular schedule;
• Prepare and/or oversee the preparation of MCLE trainings for the SJCH Legal Services Program;
• Assist Staff Attorneys in developing competencies in SJCH Legal Services Program practice areas;
• Mentor Staff Attorneys and Associate Staff Attorneys;
• Attend meetings, trainings, and other work-related events as needed; and
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

EXPECTATIONS:

• Conduct local area travel for outreach purposes, connecting with the community and ensuring that individuals are aware of available legal services.
• As a Senior Staff Attorney in an exempt position, evening and/or weekend hours may be required to ensure the fulfillment of all duties and responsibilities;
• Maintain competence and education in SJCH legal practice areas;
• Maintain consistency and excellent in all written and verbal communications;
• Hybrid work may be available based on organizational and staffing needs.

Grant Specific Duties – all duties listed herein are consistent with the required duties under Grant Number 3024. 

Additional Requirements: Employees are responsible for maintaining individual certifications as required by job function or by law and provide verification and recertification when requested by management: 

• Maintain a license to practice law in the state of California.
• Maintain and regularly report MCLE requirements.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to be covered by car insurance as required.
• Ability to drive and travel by car as needed.
• Flexibility to travel between Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties as needed.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed for community events.