CCLS Lead Attorney - Pro Bono Program Re-Entry Services
About The Position
Central California Legal Services (CCLS) is seeking a dynamic attorney to join its Pro Bono Program (PBP) as the Lead Attorney for Re-Entry Legal Services. This role, reporting to the Director of Pro Bono & Strategic Partnerships, will focus on expanding, developing, and operating the PBP’s Re-Entry Legal Services Project. The attorney will work collaboratively with the PBP team and CCLS advocates to enhance and implement volunteer and clinic programs across CCLS’ service area. The position can be based in Fresno, Merced, or Visalia offices, or remotely, with occasional in-person travel required for remote employees. CCLS is a non-profit organization founded in 1966, dedicated to providing free civil legal services to low-income individuals in several California counties, with nearly one hundred employees.
Requirements
- Member in good standing of the State Bar of California.
- A Supervising Attorney candidate will have at least two years of experience practicing law, with litigation experience preferred.
- A Directing Attorney candidate will have at least five years of experience practicing law, with litigation experience preferred.
- At least two years of project management experience.
- Entrepreneurial spirit, goal-oriented, and organized.
- Excellent communication skills, including writing, public speaking, and interpersonal.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines concurrently.
- Able to work with clients who are under multiple stressors; to respond to them with empathy and understanding; and to advocate for them.
- Experience with and enjoyment of working with people from a wide range of economic spheres, cultures, languages, abilities, and geographic areas.
- Confident in representing CCLS on relevant committees, task forces, and working groups in the legal community.
- Ability to travel, as needed; reliable transportation, a valid CA drivers’ license with appropriate car insurance.
- Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners.
- Commitment to CCLS’ mission and core values.
Nice To Haves
- Experience recruiting, engaging, managing, and inspiring volunteers strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Design, expand, and operate the PBP’s Re-Entry Legal Services Project, including criminal records expungement, drivers’ license restoration, arrest record sealing, and other client needs.
- Recruit, manage, place, train, support, and recognize volunteers with the assistance of the Director.
- Create and maintain volunteer training materials for the Re-Entry Legal Services Project in collaboration with the Director.
- Develop and maintain relationships with community partners to create and sustain referral pipelines.
- Develop and maintain relationships in the legal community to recruit and maintain volunteers.
- Expand services provided by volunteers, including building a panel of attorneys for court representation.
- Develop expertise in pertinent legal areas to supervise volunteers and ensure excellent client legal services.
- Develop client-facing materials explaining legal services offered and their benefits/limitations.
- Create program operating procedures and a system for regular review and improvement.
- Oversee program database and collect data for program development, assessment, and reporting.
- Participate in regular CCLS program team meetings.
- Collaborate with other legal services organizations for pro bono initiatives.
- Assist the Director with development and documentation of PBP policies and evaluation metrics.
- Assist in development and production of MCLE training programs.
- Supervise PBP staff who support pro bono projects.
- Travel to meetings and events in counties served by CCLS as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
