CSEC ATTORNEY

About the role

The CSEC Program provides a collaborative and intensive model of legal representation and service delivery to some of CLC’s most high-need clients: youth in foster care who have been trafficked or exploited. A CSEC Attorney will represent up to 60 CSEC clients at any given time, advocating for youth and emerging adult clients both in and outside of the courtroom. The CSEC Attorney will also collaborate with a cross-sector of child welfare, workforce, educational, and other community and county agencies working with transition-age clients to ensure access to necessary resources and services to prepare for life after foster care.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct representation for up to 60 youth within the first year in the CSEC dependency courtroom;
• Attend and participate in multi-disciplinary meetings (MDTs) on behalf of clients;
• Pick up all new Welfare & Institutions Code Section 300(b)(2) filings assigned to the CSEC dependency courtroom;
• accept transfers of CSEC identified cases from other CLC firms;
• Collaborate with other members of the CLC CSEC Team which may include attorney and investigator supervisors, investigators, peer advocates, MSW interns and other supporting staff;
• Work closely with the Supervising Attorney to attend and participate in meetings which may include, but are not limited to:
• CSEC Steering Committee Meeting
• Victim Witness Protocol Meeting
• ICAN CSEC Meeting
• CLC CSEC Monthly Check-in Conference Calls
• Develop professional relationships with CSEC service providers in the community;
• Assist the Policy Team as needed on issues of legislation and policy impacting CSEC youth;
• Attend at least one CSEC training per month;
• Attend at some Saturday CSEC Empowerment Events and the 3-day Annual Empowerment Conference;
• and Provide CSEC training and consultation to case-carrying CLC attorneys, investigators, peer advocates and other staff as needed.

Requirements

• Must possess a Juris Doctor degree and be a member in good standing of the State Bar of California.
• Prior attendance at CSEC 101 training and at least one CSEC 102 training, and one year dependency or juvenile justice experience preferred.
• The Successful Candidate Will Also Demonstrate Deep understanding of the child welfare system, the California Welfare and Institutions Code, Rules of Court, Local Rules, and DCFS policy.
• High standards of ethical and professional conduct.
• Must be able to handle high-stress situations and maintain composure while working with clients.
• The role demands strong emotional resilience and the ability to provide support & care in a challenging and dynamic environment.
• Interest & proficiency in working with children & youth in diverse communities.
• Have an inclusive, deeply human approach to client’s wellbeing.
• Able to convey legal arguments logically and effectively in oral & written form.
• A valid California driver’s license, reliable automobile, and auto insurance are required while working for Children’s Law Center.

Qualifications

• Assets You Possess/Essential Qualifications
• Applicants must possess a Juris Doctor degree and be a member in good standing of the State Bar of California.
• Prior attendance at CSEC 101 training and at least one CSEC 102 training, and one year dependency or juvenile justice experience preferred.
• The Successful Candidate Will Also Demonstrate Deep understanding of the child welfare system, the California Welfare and Institutions Code, Rules of Court, Local Rules, and DCFS policy.
• High standards of ethical and professional conduct.
• Must be able to handle high-stress situations and maintain composure while working with clients.
• The role demands strong emotional resilience and the ability to provide support & care in a challenging and dynamic environment.
• Interest & proficiency in working with children & youth in diverse communities.
• Have an inclusive, deeply human approach to client’s wellbeing.
• Able to convey legal arguments logically and effectively in oral & written form.

Skills

• Strong emotional resilience and the ability to provide support & care in a challenging and dynamic environment.
• Interest & proficiency in working with children & youth in diverse communities.
• Have an inclusive, deeply human approach to client’s wellbeing.
• Able to convey legal arguments logically and effectively in oral & written form.

Benefits

• Health + Wellbeing Employee Assistance Program
• Company-Sponsored Benefits (Medical, Dental, Life Insurance)
• Up to 6% employer matched retirement plan
• Generous Parental Leave + Additional Leave Options
• Fitness/Wellness Program
• Health Care & Dependent Day Care FSA
• Transit + Parking Benefits
• Growth + Development Durfee Professional Development funds are available for all employees, in good standing, who have been with CLC for at least two years.
• Flexibility + Additional Flexible working environment (depending on position requirements)
• Paid vacation/sick/holiday time

Pay

$88,510 - $118,946 annually

Schedule

Full-time