SUPERVISING ATTORNEY - CONTRACT

About the role

CLCLA1 is seeking an Attorney Supervisor. Reporting to the Firm Director, the Attorney Supervisor’s primary responsibilities are to provide (1) support and supervision to case-carrying attorneys & support staff and (2) actively support their Firm Director and members of the Management Team. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the Firm Director, fellow supervisors, and other staff to ensure fidelity to CLC’s core mission to provide high-quality representation to CLC clients, implement CLC policy and procedures, engage in continuous quality improvement, and further CLC’s strategic goals.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, assist, and advise case-carrying attorneys in all aspects of their job, including but not limited to: substantive and procedural law (juvenile dependency and related practice areas); litigation and courtroom skills; case strategies and tactics; case preparation, documentation and management; client contact and management; workplace and professional relationships and contacts; conflict analysis; written and oral advocacy skills; and office policies and procedures.
• Arrange caseload and courtroom coverage for absent attorneys and/or uncovered caseloads as appropriate, or when necessary to support attorneys meet other job responsibilities.
• In consultation with other members of the supervisory team and the Director, assign, oversee, and balance attorney workloads, including caseloads, courtroom assignments, and pick-up days.
• For new hires, provide regular feedback utilizing CLC’s management training guidelines and three- and six-month checklists to ensure adequate knowledge and skill acquisition.
• Provide ongoing mentoring and information about training opportunities in relevant practice areas.
• Provide ongoing feedback throughout the year to ensure ongoing direct reports are meeting performance review goals.
• Formally evaluate and review attorney’s performance in all relevant practice areas, and implement a Performance Improvement Plan for attorneys whose work continues to be less than satisfactory in any relevant performance area.
• As requested by Investigator Supervisors, other Attorney Supervisors, Office Manager, and Firm Director, contribute to the performance review process.
• Supervise law clerk performance as appropriate or when requested by an attorney; oversee law clerk evaluation as appropriate or when requested by an attorney.
• Communicate and consult with secretarial, investigative, and support staff concerning clerical and case needs.
• Respond, as necessary and appropriate, to formal and informal concerns, complaints and comments from relevant individuals concerning attorney and staff performance.
• Participate in attorney and staff interviews for new or promotional positions and make recommendations concerning those positions.
• Participate in Management Team meetings.
• Participate in Committee Meetings and work on committees as needed.
• With the approval of the Firm Director — or in his/her absence — conduct staff meetings; review and approve mileage and expenditure reimbursements, and vacation, sick, personal and other time-off requests.
• Perform additional duties as needed by the Firm Director (e.g., meet with bench officers to discuss staffing; meet with management team members to coordinate training efforts).
• Continuous learning: staying informed and adapting evolving social dynamics to better engage and support clients from all backgrounds.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience practicing dependency law.
• Current CLC staff attorney.
• Juris Doctor degree.
• Member in good standing of the State Bar of California.
• Management, supervisory, and training experience preferred.
• Certification as a Child Welfare Law Specialist (CWLS) by the National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC) considered but not required.

Skills

• Competence utilizing JCATS case management system, especially as it relates to the initiation, tracking, and distribution of investigation requests and reports.
• Deep understanding of investigative procedures and role of investigator from both the attorney and investigator perspectives.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to problem-solve and mediate conflicts in a constructive manner.
• Leadership skills and integrity in interactions with CLC staff.
• Ability to effectively communicate with other attorneys, staff, bench officers, court personnel, clients and other parties in the dependency process, service providers, and the public.
• Commitment to principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
• High standards of ethical and professional conduct.
• A valid California driver’s license, reliable automobile, and auto insurance are required while working for the Children’s Law Center.

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 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; CLC pays the current year’s mandatory bar dues for all attorneys actively employed on the date bar dues are owed with no known plans to end employment within 30 days of the due date; bar dues also paid for new admittees actively employed on their initial payment due date with no known plans to end employment within 30 days.

Pay

$120,000–$165,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Full-time, 6-month contract position.