Contract Attorney
About The Position
The Attorney represents children and youth in dependency proceedings, both in and out of court, and is expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to client advocacy. The role assesses assigned cases, conducts investigations, applies dependency law and court procedures, presents cases in court, negotiates with opposing counsel, and prepares witnesses. The attorney also researches and drafts legal documents and coordinates with educational, medical, mental health, regional center, community, and legal resources to support clients’ best interests. The position requires culturally responsive communication and advocacy, professional relationships with clients and their caregivers, age-appropriate client interviews, and timely follow-up on client requests and court orders. Attorneys work collaboratively with colleagues and leadership, manage multiple cases and deadlines, maintain files and calendars, document case activity, and follow office policies. This is a contract position running from November 2026 through April 2027. The listed annual salary range is $74,169–$115,545, based on experience and qualifications.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor degree.
- Membership in good standing of the State Bar of California.
- Valid California driver’s license, reliable automobile, and auto insurance while working for Children’s Law Center.
- Ability to work effectively with children and youth in diverse communities.
- Ability to manage multiple caseloads, deadlines, files, reports, case documentation, and hearing calendars.
- Ability to collaborate professionally with attorneys, supervisors, leadership, and support staff.
- Ability to prioritize and allocate time and resources effectively and follow office policies and procedures.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience in dependency law or trial experience is preferred.
- Interest and proficiency in working with children and youth in diverse communities.
Responsibilities
- Assess critical issues in assigned dependency cases and advocate for each client.
- Maintain effective working relationships with bench officers, courtroom personnel, social workers, attorneys, CASAs, and service providers.
- Investigate cases independently and direct social work investigators as appropriate to obtain necessary facts.
- Apply dependency case law, statutes, and court rules; use effective trial, courtroom presentation, negotiation, witness preparation, and evidentiary skills.
- Research applicable law and prepare clear, concise, persuasive motions, pleadings, briefs, memoranda, correspondence, and reports; submit documents on time.
- Engage educational, medical, mental health, regional center, community-based, and legal resources to support client representation.
- Communicate and advocate sensitively with clients from diverse backgrounds, maintaining professional relationships and providing sound advice through frequent, age-appropriate interviews consistent with ethical standards.
- Follow up on client requests and court orders to ensure timely receipt of services.
- Treat clients’ caregivers and family members respectfully.
- Stay informed and adapt to evolving social dynamics to better engage and support clients from all backgrounds.
- Collaborate with attorneys, supervisors, CLC leadership, and support staff; assist with courtroom coverage, mentor less experienced attorneys, and seek supervisory assistance when appropriate.
- Manage multiple caseloads, including timely file opening and closing, meeting deadlines, completing office reports, maintaining orderly files and accurate calendars, and documenting proceedings, contacts, and case developments.
- Prioritize and allocate time and resources effectively and follow office policies and procedures.
Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Company-sponsored medical, dental, and life insurance
- Up to 6% employer-matched retirement plan
- Generous parental leave and additional leave options
- Fitness and wellness program
- Health care and dependent day care flexible spending accounts
- Transit and parking benefits
- Durfee professional development funds for eligible employees in good standing with at least two years at CLC
- Flexible working environment, depending on position requirements
- Paid vacation, sick, and holiday time
- Payment of current-year mandatory bar dues for eligible attorneys actively employed on the due date
- Payment of bar dues for eligible new admittees actively employed on their initial payment due date
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What This Job Offers
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
