Temporary Economic Justice Attorney

Bay Area Legal Aid•San Francisco, CA

1d•$83,948 - $138,127•Hybrid

About The Position

Bay Area Legal Aid (BayLegal), a nonprofit law firm providing free civil legal services to individuals and families living in poverty throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, seeks a temporary attorney for its San Francisco Economic Justice Practice team. The position is based in BayLegal's San Francisco County office and is expected to last approximately six months. It offers an opportunity to address issues affecting low-income individuals, with a focus on economic justice and access to public benefits. The attorney will represent clients in public benefits matters and related administrative proceedings, help clients access government benefit programs, and pursue advocacy strategies to address systemic barriers. The position also involves collaboration with community partners and other BayLegal practice areas, as well as training staff and community partners. BayLegal employees are expected to work in person at a designated office or community advocacy site at least three days per week, with part-time remote work available. Employees must reside in California within commuting distance of their BayLegal base location.

Requirements

Be a member of the California Bar in good standing, or be admitted to practice in another state and eligible to practice in California for three years under the California State Bar rules for the Registered Legal Services Attorney Program.
Commit to complying with the California Rules of Professional Conduct, BayLegal funding requirements, and firm standards, policies, and practices.
Commit to and desire to work with low-income individuals.
Demonstrate humility in working with colleagues and clients, and with individuals of all identities, experiences, and perspectives.
Have current proficiency in, and the ability to improve proficiency in, the technological equipment, hardware, and software necessary to perform the job.
Have excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills and attention to detail.
Have strong oral advocacy skills and be thoughtful and attentive in client communications.
Have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a dynamic team.
Be curious and self-directed, with the ability to take initiative.

Nice To Haves

Experience with government benefits programs.

Responsibilities

Learn and assist with the diverse legal needs of underserved and vulnerable communities in San Francisco and the broader Bay Area to reduce homelessness, enhance stability, and address social justice.
Represent clients in public benefits matters, including matters involving General Assistance, CalFresh, CalWORKs, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI), and Medi-Cal.
Represent clients at all stages of administrative proceedings related to public benefits.
Assist clients with accessing other county, state, and federal benefit programs as needed.
Identify and use impact advocacy strategies to remove barriers to public benefits and employment for client populations, including immigrants and refugees, survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, people experiencing homelessness, and people with disabilities.
Assist public benefit recipients with legal issues that may present barriers to employment or self-sufficiency, such as suspended driver's licenses, collateral consequences of criminal convictions, or unstable housing.
Develop relationships and collaborate with public and private community partners, including government agencies and community-based organizations, to conduct outreach, ensure integrated services, and address barriers facing BayLegal's client community.
Help provide public benefits and other substantive trainings to BayLegal staff and community partners.
Work collaboratively with attorneys in BayLegal's other substantive areas.
Engage in other tasks and projects that further BayLegal's mission.