Staff Attorney

Family Violence Appellate Project • Oakland, CA

37d • Hybrid

About The Position

Family Violence Appellate Project (FVAP) is a statewide California nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence and other forms of gender-based abuse. For more than 14 years, FVAP has worked to promote the safety and well-being of survivors and their children by appealing harmful trial court decisions at no cost to survivors. By working at the appellate court level, FVAP’s cases establish statewide legal precedent that can protect thousands of survivors and families across California. We leverage those appellate opinions and our expertise to provide training, technical assistance, and other legal tools to strengthen the work of attorneys and advocates supporting survivors at trial court and to advocate for changes to law and policy. FVAP serves diverse communities across rural, suburban, and urban regions throughout the state. FVAP is seeking a Staff Attorney who brings strong critical thinking, legal analysis, writing, and collaboration skills, along with a commitment to FVAP’s mission. The Staff Attorney will manage competing priorities and adapt their work as case needs, court deadlines, and organizational priorities evolve. This position necessitates multi-tasking, prioritizing tasks, and changing focus when circumstances demand. It also requires the skills to communicate effectively with many different stakeholders, including FVAP’s team members, volunteer law firm attorneys, experienced domestic violence advocates and other community members who are not attorneys, law student clerks, and prospective clients from all different backgrounds. This position also requires someone who is detail-oriented and capable of managing a full slate of cases and tracking and complying with dozens of litigation and other deadlines at once.

Requirements

• Licensed, active member of California Bar
• Experiences that will enable you to provide appellate advocacy, technical assistance, and outreach to a diverse client population and community of domestic violence service providers
• Ability to work as part of a team producing polished appellate legal briefs
• Ability to analyze and apply California domestic violence law, family law, and writ or appellate procedure
• Understanding of civil trial court practice and procedures
• Excellent communication, writing, editing, and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to adapt to and work effectively in the dynamic environment of a small nonprofit
• Willingness to pitch in and help out as needed
• A commitment to working on behalf of survivors of domestic violence and their children

Nice To Haves

• Prior appellate or writ experience
• Experience in domestic violence and/or family law trial court practice, or another similar type of trial court practice
• An understanding of the dynamics of, and the legal, social, and personal issues raised by, domestic violence
• Experience working with clients in crisis and legal services eligible individuals
• Demonstrated competence leading project-based teams
• Experience creating and presenting legal trainings to attorney and non-attorney audiences
• Multilingual or bilingual skills, including Spanish or other languages commonly spoken by communities served by FVAP, are valued
• Diversity of personal and professional experience

Responsibilities

• Analyzing trial court records and the legal issues in each case and making a recommendation on whether FVAP should accept the case for appeal or writ
• Consulting with the legal team on case selection and strategy
• Successfully managing a full, active docket of appellate cases, including supervising and assisting FVAP’s pro bono attorneys in private practice
• Editing and possibly drafting portions of briefs and appellate motions with the pro bono team, and helping to prepare attorneys for oral argument
• Providing technical assistance to attorneys, and non-attorney advocates on legal and procedural issues related to domestic violence laws, post-trial motions, and/or appeals and writs
• Providing trainings to legal services agencies, domestic violence agencies, and other statewide stakeholders
• Supervising law student interns, including giving written feedback on their work
• Performing outreach and fostering connections with stakeholders in other regions of California
• Analyzing social science literature in the field of domestic violence
• Advancing FVAP’s Theory of Change and commitment to cultural responsiveness
• Assisting with administrative and fundraising tasks as needed, including grant reports; responding to office mail, email, fax, and voice mail; assisting with preparation of materials for board meetings; keeping client databases current; attending fundraising events; and other office tasks
• Opportunities may be available to advocate for legislation or other systems changes on behalf of FVAP
• Some travel may be required

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match after one year
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, commuting, and dependent care
• Long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 3 weeks paid vacation with longevity increases
• 14 paid holidays annually
• Additional administrative closure days including a year-end office closure
• Paid sick leave
• Professional development support

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed