Staff Attorney (part-time)- Unlawful Detainer Clinic

About the Organization

Established in 1983, San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc. (SDVLP) is the oldest and most comprehensive pro bono legal services program in San Diego County. SDVLP’s mission is to provide equal access to the justice system by serving as a bridge between indigent and other disadvantaged people in San Diego County and the volunteer lawyers who are willing to donate their time and resources. Our team of talented and passionate employees is collegial, supportive, and committed to providing top-quality legal services to indigent, vulnerable San Diegans.

About the Role

SDVLP seeks a part-time (approximately 15 hours per week) Staff Attorney with public interest experience to join our team. The Staff Attorney will operate SDVLP’s Unlawful Detainer Self-Help Clinic at the Vista Courthouse on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:30am to 1:30pm. This walk-in clinic provides vital legal information to self-represented litigants in residential eviction (unlawful detainer) cases, and in limited circumstances, certain types of restraining orders. With the support of volunteers, the Staff Attorney demystifies court processes for litigants, helping them understand what steps they can take in their case, what paperwork may need to be completed, and what to expect throughout the process. This clinic cannot offer legal advice or representation but can provide referrals to other SDVLP programs or nonprofit organizations, as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Educate self-represented litigants on court rules and procedures related to landlord-tenant disputes and restraining orders; assist litigants with identifying court documents that may need to be filed in their case.
• Create and maintain up-to-date factsheets/resources for self-represented litigants.
• Develop and maintain written training materials for clinic volunteers.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the laws and court procedures pertaining to the topics addressed at the clinic and stay up-to-date with the latest changes.
• Identify and distribute legal resources and referrals to self-represented litigants.
• Train and supervise pro bono attorneys, law students, and Justice Corp interns.
• Foster and maintain collaborative relationships with court personnel, volunteers, and other partners.
• Manage and compile statistical data necessary for grant reports.
• Deliver services, and train pro bono attorneys on how to deliver services, through a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care framework.
• Engage in other tasks and projects as needed to further SDVLP’s mission.

Work Environment

This is a part-time, onsite position based in the Vista Courthouse, requiring a minimum commitment of 15 hours per week.

Requirements

• Must be a member in good standing of the California Bar.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have excellent mentorship and teaching skills.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to successfully work as part of a team, and with the public, volunteers, court personnel, government agencies, and partner organizations.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with accuracy and minimal direction.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required by events and deadlines.
• Excellent Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income and disadvantaged people.
• Ability to occasionally travel to SDVLP’s other offices throughout San Diego County, as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-2 years of landlord-tenant law experience.
• Spanish written and speaking ability.

Pay

The hourly rate for this position is $42.50.

Benefits

• Generous paid leave benefits, including up to 45 hours of annual leave and 34.66 hours of sick leave.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• SDVLP is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.