Staff Attorney - Unlawful Detainer Clinic

About the role

San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc. (SDVLP) is a pro bono legal services organization established in 1983. SDVLP's mission is to provide legal assistance to indigent and disadvantaged individuals in San Diego County. The team includes dedicated professionals who support volunteer lawyers in delivering high-quality legal services.

Occupational Summary

SDVLP seeks a part-time (approximately 15 hours per week) Staff Attorney with public interest experience to operate the Unlawful Detainer Self-Help Clinic at the Vista Courthouse. The clinic provides legal information to self-represented litigants in eviction and certain restraining order cases.

Essential Job Duties

• Educate self-represented litigants on court rules and procedures related to landlord-tenant disputes and restraining orders.
• Aid litigants in identifying court documents needed for their case.
• Create and maintain up-to-date factsheets/resources for self-represented litigants.
• Develop and maintain written training materials for clinic volunteers.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant laws and court procedures and stay updated with changes.
• Identify and distribute legal resources and referrals to self-represented litigants.
• Train and supervise pro bono attorneys, law students, and Justice Corps interns.
• Foster and maintain relationships with court personnel, volunteers, and partners.
• Manage and compile statistical data for grant reports.
• Deliver services and train pro bono attorneys using a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care framework.
• Perform other tasks as needed to support SDVLP's mission.

Qualifications

• Member in good standing of the California Bar.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong mentorship and teaching abilities.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and teamwork capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on tasks accurately.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income and disadvantaged communities.
• Ability to travel to SDVLP's other offices as needed.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• One to two years of landlord-tenant law experience.
• Spanish language proficiency, preferred.

Pay & Benefits

• Hourly rate: $42.50
• Paid leave benefits, including up to 45 hours of annual leave and 34.66 hours of sick leave.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
• Equal opportunity employer.