CONTRACT ATTORNEY

About the role

Our CLC Attorney will have a deeply demonstrated commitment to the legal representation of clients in dependency proceedings in and out of court.

Responsibilities

• Assess the critical issues of each assigned case and advocate for each client
• Maintain professional effective working relationships with bench officers, courtroom personnel, social workers, attorneys, CASAs & service providers
• Independently investigating & appropriately directing social work investigators to obtain facts needed to properly assess each case
• Effectively applying dependency case law, statues & court rules; Using effective trial & courtroom presentation skills
• Using sound case analysis & judgement; Effectively negotiating with other counsel
• Prepare witnesses & apply evidentiary rules & objections
• Prepare clear, concise and persuasive motions, pleading, briefs and memorandums of law, as well correspondence & reports as needed by thoroughly researching applicable law
• Submit documents in a timely manner
• Engages available resources to properly represent & advocate for our client’s best interest, including but not limited to: Educational resources, Medical providers & Mental health professionals, Regional center resources, Community based services providers, Other legal experts or consultants, such as Legal Aid, Public Counsel, Alliance for Children’s Rights, etc., Public Defenders in Delinquency Court and Department 95
• Demonstrate sensitivity & awareness of cultural differences to effectively communicate & advocate for clients from diverse backgrounds
• Develops professional relationships with and provides sound advice to clients using frequent age-appropriate interviews that adhere to ethical standards
• Follows up on client requests & court orders to ensure that clients receive services in a timely manner
• Treat clients’ caregivers and family members respectfully
• Continuous learning: staying informed and adapting evolving social dynamics to better engage and support clients from all backgrounds

Requirements

• Maintains professional relationships with all CLC coworkers through: Collaboration with attorneys, supervisors and CLC leadership; Demonstrating respect for support staff; Expressing flexibility and willingness to assist with coverage in other courtrooms; Mentorship and being a role model for less experienced attorneys; Ability to seek assistance from supervisors when prudent or required
• Can effectively manage multiple caseloads by: Opening & closing files in a timely manner, and meeting deadlines; Ability to complete all appropriate office reports in a timely manner, including timesheets, case counts and conflict reports; Maintaining files in an orderly manner according to office policy; Properly documenting court proceedings, contacts and case developments; Maintaining an accurate calendar of upcoming hearings for each case
• Can prioritize & allocate time and resources effectively
• Can follow office policies and procedures

Qualifications

• Prior experience in dependency law or trial experience preferred
• Interest & proficiency in working with children & youth in diverse communities
• Juris Doctor Degree & a member in good standing of the State Bar of California
• A valid California driver’s license, reliable automobile, and auto insurance are required while working for Children’s Law Center

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program
• Company-Sponsored