Staff Attorney

Reports to: Supervising Attorney

Salary: $88,510–$118,946 annually (based on experience and qualifications)

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

• Maintain professional, effective working relationships with bench officers, courtroom personnel, social workers, attorneys, CASAs, and service providers.
• Independently investigate and appropriately direct social work investigators to obtain facts needed to properly assess each case.
• Effectively apply dependency case law, statutes, and court rules.
• Use effective trial and courtroom presentation skills, sound case analysis, and judgment.
• Negotiate effectively with other counsel.
• Prepare witnesses and apply evidentiary rules and objections.
• Prepare clear, concise, and persuasive motions, pleadings, briefs, memoranda of law, correspondence, and reports by thoroughly researching applicable law.
• Submit documents in a timely manner.
• Engage available resources to properly represent and advocate for our client’s best interest, including but not limited to:
  • Educational resources
  • Medical providers and mental health professionals
  • Regional center resources
  • Community-based service providers
  • Other legal experts or consultants (e.g., Legal Aid, Public Counsel, Alliance for Children’s Rights)
  • Public Defenders in Delinquency Court and Department 95
• Demonstrate sensitivity and awareness of cultural differences to effectively communicate and advocate for clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Develop professional relationships with and provide sound advice to clients using frequent, age-appropriate interviews that adhere to ethical standards.
• Follow up on client requests and court orders to ensure clients receive services in a timely manner.
• Treat clients’ caregivers and family members respectfully.
• Continuously learn by staying informed and adapting to evolving social dynamics to better engage and support clients from all backgrounds.