Staff Attorney - SSI
About The Position
The Staff Attorney will be responsible for managing a caseload that includes interviewing prospective clients, analyzing their legal issues, providing legal advice, negotiating with opposing parties and agencies, preparing and submitting legal documents, and representing clients throughout the Social Security Administration's (SSA) disability benefits application and appeal process. This role involves maintaining a substantial caseload, attending community meetings, fostering positive relationships with client communities, and identifying solutions to broader client problems through policy development or other strategic approaches. Legal Aid Society of San Diego (LASSD), established in 1953, is the largest poverty law firm in San Diego County, dedicated to strengthening communities by resolving clients' legal issues, empowering them to navigate legal, governmental, and social systems, and promoting self-empowerment in the fight against poverty and injustice. LASSD is committed to providing equal access to justice through high-quality legal services.
Requirements
- Admitted and in good standing with the California State Bar
- J.D. degree from an ABA accredited law school
- Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently as well as support team efforts, and to strategize and plan so as to timely and consistently meet grant deliverables and reporting requirements
- Must have reliable transportation
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income people
- Ability to work successfully with people from diverse backgrounds
- Knowledge and/or experience with Social Security Disability benefits
- Fluency in written and spoken Spanish preferred
- Member of the Federal Bar
Responsibilities
- Interviewing prospective clients; determining program eligibility; rendering legal advice; preparation of legal documents; developing and maintaining a caseload.
- Representing clients in all phases of the SSI/SSDI-disability-benefit application, appeal, and administrative hearing process, including research, drafting pleadings and briefs, hearings, and appeals.
- Attending community meetings, community education events, and community workshops.
- Developing positive relationships with the client community.
- Giving presentations and workshops on Legal Aid services and Social Security Disability programs.
- Developing positive, professional relationships with administrative agency personnel.
- Providing in-person legal assistance at outreach locations within San Diego County one to two days per week.
- Assisting in the training and supervision of advocates, law students, and volunteers as appropriate.
- Developing creative methods, litigious and non-litigious, for dealing with recurring client problems.
- Collaborating with other teams and outside organizations, when directed by a supervisor, to provide holistic services.
- Staying up to date on substantive developments regarding substantive practice area.
- Compliance with all program and grant requirements.
- Other duties as may be assigned.
Benefits
- 35-hour workweek
- Paid vacation leave
- Sick leave
- 100% employer-paid medical premium
- 50% employer-paid premium for dependents under LASSD health plan
- Dental benefits
- Vision benefits
- Life benefits
- Option to participate in a 403(b)-retirement plan
- Dependent and health flex savings accounts (FSA)
- Law school loan repayment program
- Eligible nonprofit employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
