Staff Attorney - Restraining Order Clinics

San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program•San Diego, CA

8d•$40 - $40•Onsite

About The Position

Established in 1983, San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc. (SDVLP) is the oldest and most comprehensive pro bono legal services program in San Diego County. SDVLP’s mission is to provide equal access to the justice system by serving as a bridge between indigent and other disadvantaged people in San Diego County and the volunteer lawyers who are willing to donate their time and resources. Our team of talented and passionate employees is collegial, supportive, and committed to providing top-quality legal services to indigent, vulnerable San Diegans. SDVLP currently operates six restraining order clinics throughout San Diego County and is seeking a part-time Staff Attorney to support these clinics and our restraining order program. This position will provide top-quality legal advice and representation to low-income San Diegans seeking various types of restraining orders including domestic violence, elder abuse, civil harassment, and gun violence. The Staff Attorney will also recruit, train, and supervise the work of pro bono attorneys providing representation to SDVLP clients while also performing community outreach and education to the legal community and local social service providers.

Requirements

Must be a member in good standing of the California Bar
Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills
Must have excellent mentorship and teaching skills
Must have excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to successfully work as part of a team, and with the public, volunteers, court personnel, government agencies, and partner organizations
Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with accuracy and minimal direction
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required by events and deadlines
Excellent Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint skills
Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income and disadvantaged people
Ability to travel to SDVLP’s various clinics throughout San Diego County, as necessary
Dependable transportation and a valid driver’s license with proof of insurance is required

Responsibilities

Providing coverage and support at various SDVLP locations across San Diego County based on organizational and operational needs
Advising clients, including preparing self-represented litigants, for restraining order hearings
Drafting restraining orders for self-represented litigants
Mentoring, training, and supervising pro bono attorneys drafting requests for restraining orders and representing SDVLP clients in their restraining order hearings
Recruiting new pro bono attorney volunteers through community outreach and attendance at networking events
Developing and maintaining written training materials for pro bono attorneys
Maintaining a small representation caseload in restraining order cases
Maintaining knowledge of other legal services programs to provide targeted referrals for issues outside the scope of SDVLP programs
Collaborating and coordinating with partner staff
Training and supervising non-attorney staff
Managing and compiling statistical data and assisting with the drafting of narrative reports to funding sources
Engaging in other tasks and projects as needed to further SDVLP’s mission