Staff Attorney
About The Position
California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLA) is an anti-poverty law firm that works with people priced out of private legal representation to uphold civil rights in housing, employment, health, and public education. Through 17 Rural Justice Centers, CRLA provides direct legal services, place-based advocacy, and specialized litigation. The Temporary Staff Attorney will provide comprehensive legal services to eligible clients in CRLA priority areas, following CRLA program guidelines, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services, and the Code of Professional Responsibility. The position fills a temporary vacancy in the Labor and Employment Practice Area and reports to its Supervising Attorney. It is a full-time, eight-month position running from January 4, 2027, through August 31, 2027. The role is remote and based in Modesto, California.
Requirements
- Admitted to practice law in the State of California.
- Demonstrated commitment to working with low-income clients.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to meet deadlines and perform multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
- Good people skills and ability to maintain positive relations with a diverse population.
- At least 6 months of experience.
Nice To Haves
- Experience or interest in workers' rights advocacy.
- Experience working with low-income families and communities.
- Experience in a nonprofit legal services environment.
- Prior experience in legal services.
- Additional language ability relevant to the role.
- Bilingual English and Spanish.
Responsibilities
- Provide legal services to low-income clients and client groups, including advice, negotiation, litigation, and administrative advocacy, in accordance with program priorities and case-handling policies.
- Review and supervise work product from Caseworkers and Clerical support staff relating to clients being advised or represented.
- Undertake significant statewide impact activity, including institutional and group litigation or community economic development benefiting low-income communities.
- Develop leadership in working with community, client, and other advocacy groups on statewide impact issues.
- Develop specialized knowledge in a substantive area of poverty law and serve as a resource for other staff through participation in at least one CRLA task force.
- Coordinate advocacy through collaboration with human services providers, nonprofit organizations, and community, client, or other advocacy groups.
- Participate in CRLA training programs, local office case reviews or staff meetings, and other CRLA activities as required.
- Provide community education regarding legal rights and prepare presentation materials.
- Work with members of the private bar as necessary in accordance with CRLA Private Bar Involvement.
- Maintain contemporaneous time records in CRLA's case management system.
- Maintain a good working relationship with all office staff.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- 100% employer-covered medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance for employees.
- Up to 50% dependent coverage for insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan with CRLA contribution effective immediately.
- Some professional dues, including bar fees, paid by CRLA.
- If qualified, up to $8,000 in law school Loan Reimbursement Assistance Program (LRAP) support.
- Paid leave including 15 days of sick leave, 15 holidays each year, and vacation accruing at 15 days in the first year and 20 days after one year of service.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
