Full-Time Staff Attorney - Family Law Unit (Hybrid - Must Reside in Southern California)

Public Law Center•Santa Ana, CA

18d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Law Center’s Family Law Unit seeks an energetic, passionate advocate to assist low-income individuals in Orange County with family law matters. The attorney provides advice and counsel through phone calls, partner referrals, and clinics; prepares court forms; and represents litigants in a limited scope. The Unit handles matters including restraining orders, divorces, child custody and visitation, guardianship, and other family law issues. It also participates in community education, community-based clinics, and local and statewide advocacy. This full-time position requires attendance at meetings, clinics, and court appearances remotely and in person, both at and outside PLC’s offices. The attorney must reside in Southern California, be able to work at the Santa Ana office, and travel to work sites throughout Orange County. Occasional evening and weekend work is required.

Requirements

Active membership in the California State Bar or eligibility to practice under the State Bar Multijurisdictional Practice Program.
Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency.
One to two years of experience.
Demonstrated commitment to working with low-income communities and/or individuals who have experienced interpersonal violence or trauma.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate with a variety of audiences.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently and as part of a team.
Reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout Orange County.
Must reside in Southern California and be able to work at the organization’s office in Santa Ana, California.

Nice To Haves

Prior family law experience, including experience as a paralegal.

Responsibilities

Provide trauma-informed legal services and manage a caseload involving calls, clinics, and legal representation for low-income litigants in family law matters, including restraining orders, divorces, parentage cases, child custody and visitation, and child or spousal support.
Assist litigants proficiently and competently in both English and Spanish.
Coordinate referrals to other PLC units to provide comprehensive legal services.
Investigate clients’ rights, responsibilities, and remedies, including obtaining and reviewing state court documents and records.
Represent PLC at networking and community outreach events.
Attend meetings, clinics, and court appearances remotely and in person.
Travel to work sites throughout Orange County.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; PLC pays 100% of employee premium costs for most plans and 50% of dependent health insurance premium costs.
Flexible Spending Account Program for medical expenses and childcare costs.
18–20 paid holidays, including an office shutdown between December 24 and early January.
21 paid sick/wellness days per year.
15 paid vacation days per year, with additional days for each year at PLC.
Two hours of paid time off during the employee’s birthday month.
403(b) retirement plan; after six months, PLC provides a matching contribution equal to 100% of salary deferrals up to a maximum of 3–4%, depending on length of employment.
Monthly stipend to offset Wi-Fi and cell phone costs.
Monthly bilingual pay premium after achieving a sufficiently high score on an oral and/or written test ($50 for each premium).
Opportunities for growth and advancement.
Paid California Bar fees, one section membership, and MCLE.