Clinical Supervising Attorney
About The Position
The Katharine & George Alexander Community Law Center (“Law Center”) is a clinical program of Santa Clara University School of Law. The Law Center has the dual mission oaf educating law students to be life-long social justice advocates and providing legal services for the low-income community. KGACLC educates law students in accordance with the highest professional and ethical standards by serving individuals and communities in need with competence, conscience and compassion through pro bono legal representation and education. Law students work under the supervision of experienced attorneys to provide free legal services in the areas of consumer protection, workers’ rights, immigration, and unhoused advocacy. Our service delivery model includes 1) community education and outreach, 2) advice clinics, and 3) full-scope and limited-scope representation cases, including court and administrative hearings. Faculty and staff also serve as leaders in collaborative efforts to increase access to the legal system for low-income individuals and communities and participate in media appearances, presentations, and training events. KGACLC is located in San Jose, California, approximately 10 minutes from the Santa Clara University campus and 10 minutes from downtown San Jose. It serves low-income members of the community, primarily from Santa Clara County. Our work brings increased stability, security, and peace of mind for clients and the community. The Law Center seeks a Clinical Supervising Attorney (Attorney) to lead our unhoused advocacy work focused on the decriminalization of homelessness. The Unhoused Advocacy Practice (UAP) assists people experiencing homelessness who are facing legal barriers to transitioning into housing; for example, fines and fees, record clearance, infractions for “quality of life crimes,” drivers license suspensions, etc. The UAP also engages in community advocacy and education around decriminalizing homelessness. This is a new project of KGACLC and the UAP focus areas may evolve or expand over time. The Attorney will lead and supervise the legal and advocacy work of the UAP and will also work in collaboration to further develop and teach its classroom component. The UAP was designed and works in partnership with the Santa Clara University Unhoused Initiative (UI). The overarching goal of the UAP is to reduce barriers to housing through legal services and advocacy centered on the intersection of homelessness and the criminal legal system.
Requirements
- Member of the State Bar of California in good standing
- A minimum of 2 to 4 years of progressively responsible legal experience working in criminal law or in a practice serving people experiencing homelessness or similarly situated populations; with a willingness to learn more.
- Understanding of the social justice issues related to poverty law and equity.
- Demonstrated potential for successful UAP program growth, oversight, and supervision of volunteer attorneys and law students in a clinical legal setting.
- A deep appreciation for the ability to work with those experiencing homelessness and to contribute to meaningful change that supports individuals in their journey toward stability.
- Excellent case management, legal research, and legal writing skills.
- Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to the criminalization of homelessness, with demonstrated analytical skills, specific to navigating the legal system and identifying creative, positive, holistic solutions to legal issues that people experiencing homelessness may face.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and communicate effectively within a diverse multicultural environment that includes clients, students, faculty and staff, community members, volunteers, and other KGACLC and UI stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines under pressure, and maintain keen attention to detail and follow-through for effective program management and leadership.
- Familiarity with data and program reporting grant compliance, and grant applications.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
- Possess a positive attitude, sense of humor, and flexibility.
- Collaborative team-player but can take initiative, work independently, exercise good judgment, and make decisions based on established procedures.
- Appreciation for and understanding of KGACLC and the UI’s mission and goals.
- Respectful of all people regardless of socioeconomic background, race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender or gender identity.
- Computer proficiency (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and willingness to learn and adapt to new technology including other software, cloud-based collaboration, and database systems.
- Requires ability to travel independently to various locations within Santa Clara County (mileage is reimbursed).
- Flexible work hours, ability to work some evenings and weekends.
Nice To Haves
- Working knowledge of the homelessness crisis in Santa Clara County strongly preferred
- Spanish or Vietnamese proficiency preferred, other languages including ASL, welcome.
Responsibilities
- Program Management and Oversight
- Direct Representation and Client Services
- Supervision and Mentorship
- Community Education and Outreach
- Other Duties as Assigned
Benefits
- Mileage is reimbursed
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
