Domestic Violence Staff Attorney

California Indian Legal Services Inc•McKinleyville, CA

just now•$77,435 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

California Indian Legal Services (CILS), founded in 1967, is a public interest Indian rights law firm that promotes the rights of California Tribes and Indians through legal representation, advocacy, community development, and systemic change. CILS provides services statewide through four California offices. This position is part of CILS’s Statewide Domestic Violence Program and is based in the Northern Office in McKinleyville, California, serving clients throughout that office’s service area. The full-time exempt Domestic Violence Staff Attorney works collaboratively with the DV Advocate to provide legal services to Native American and non-Native American survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking. The position includes office and case-management work, travel to meet clients and attend court, and legal representation in state court and, where appropriate, Tribal Court. Representation focuses on domestic violence restraining order proceedings and may also include child custody, divorce, civil harassment, evictions, and other legal matters needed by survivors. The attorney is based in the Northern Office and directly reports to the DV Directing Attorney, who oversees CILS’s statewide Domestic Violence Program and is based in the Southern Office. The position is in-person Monday through Friday, with optional teleworking on Mondays and Fridays.

Requirements

J.D. from an accredited law school.
Current California bar membership in good standing.
Experience working with and on behalf of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.
Familiarity with trauma-informed and culturally aware legal services.
Ability to build relationships with community partners and, with client consent, collaborate to achieve desired client outcomes.
Demonstrated knowledge of California Family Law and 1–3 years of experience practicing law.
Excellent communication, writing, and organizational skills.
Strong work ethic.
Ability to travel overnight and possess a valid driver’s license.
Commitment to providing high-quality legal services for Native Americans and others.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to take initiative.
Proficiency in office computer software applications.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity or experience working with Native Americans, Tribes, and communities.
Demonstrated knowledge of Federal Indian law.
Experience working under and reporting for grants.
Residence in, or willingness to relocate to, the Northern Office service area.

Responsibilities

Provide culturally sensitive legal representation and assistance to Native American and non-Native American survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in state court and, where appropriate, Tribal Court.
Represent clients in domestic violence restraining order proceedings and other matters as needed, potentially including child custody, divorce, civil harassment proceedings, and evictions.
Work with the CILS DV Advocate on intake, document collection, safety planning, and other case-related activities.
Travel within the Northern Office service area to meet clients, conduct interviews, and attend court appearances.
Develop partnerships with Tribal and non-Tribal domestic violence and sexual assault organizations to share resources and make referrals.
Conduct walk-in clinics.
Work with Tribal, state, and local law enforcement to secure effective enforcement of Tribal Court Domestic Violence Orders.
Attend domestic violence advocate training and related conferences to stay current on developments in domestic violence and sexual assault in Indian Country.
Manage and maintain a client caseload in an organized, professional, and responsible manner.
Carry out other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Multiple high-quality, low-cost medical plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Employee premiums covered at 100% and dependent premiums covered at 90%.
Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible medical/dental, dependent care, and public transportation expenses.
403(b) retirement plan with employer match up to 5% of annual salary.
18 paid holidays annually, including office closure from December 24 through January 1.
Vacation starting at 13 accrued days per year.
12 days of sick leave per year.
Paid leave for jury duty/witness services, Election Day, and bereavement.
Professional development and learning opportunities.
Employee Assistance Program.
Loan Repayment Assistance Program for full-time attorney positions with eligible loans.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Certified Employer.
Life insurance of 2x annual salary.
Supplemental insurance, including optional additional life and disability coverage.
Annual California State Bar dues paid for attorneys.