Staff Attorney (Indian Law, Bankruptcy, Estate planning, and Mobile Homeowner Rights)

California Indian Legal Services Inc•Bishop, CA

4d•$77,435 - $93,899•Onsite

About The Position

Program Description Founded in 1967, California Indian Legal Services (CILS) is the oldest public interest Indian rights law firm in the country, promoting the fundamental rights of California Tribes and Native Americans through litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy, community development, and other strategies for systemic change. CILS provides a full range of legal representation to California Tribes and Tribal organizations, advocates for the rights of Native Americans in California at the local, state, and national levels, and provides direct services and community education to low-income Native American individuals on issues related to federal Indian Law and Tribal law. Currently, CILS’ hybrid non-profit law firm and legal aid offers services statewide and maintains four offices throughout California – Eastern (Bishop), Southern (Escondido), Northern (McKinleyville), and Central (Sacramento). This position is in the Eastern Office, located in Bishop, CA. For additional information about CILS, go to our website at www.calindian.org. Job Description The Staff Attorney, under the supervision of the Directing Attorney, will provide all general Staff Attorney duties and will work collaboratively with other staff to provide exceptional legal services in all areas of federal Indian law. In addition to these general responsibilities, 50–75% of their time will be dedicated to implementing grant-funded initiatives that expand access to legal services in bankruptcy, estate planning, and mobile homeowner rights. The role requires close coordination with program leadership to meet project goals, ensure compliant reporting, and support the development of sustainable long-term service capacity for Tribal communities. In addition to project-based work, the attorney will contribute to client development efforts and collaborate with staff across the organization to strengthen legal services delivery.

Requirements

J.D. and California bar membership in good standing.
At least 1-5 years of experience practicing law.
Demonstrated knowledge of, or enthusiastic willingness to learn, federal Indian law.
Excellent communication, writing, and organizational skills.
Strong work ethic and able to work nights and weekends when many tribal councils meet.
Ability to travel overnight and a valid driver’s license.
Solid understanding of Native Americans and Tribes in California.
A commitment to providing high-quality legal services for Native Americans.
Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and to take initiative.
Experience with estate planning, probate, or related property-transfer legal matters.
Foundational knowledge of consumer bankruptcy law, including Chapter 7 practice, or demonstrated ability to develop proficiency with training and supervision.

Nice To Haves

Legal Services and/or Nonprofit legal work experience.
Experience working with Native Americans, Tribes, or Tribal communities.
Experience in dependency/child welfare law.
Deep connection and commitment to the CILS mission and Tribal communities.
Experience providing legal education or conducting community workshops.
Familiarity with mobile home residency law or experience working with mobile homeowner communities.
Experience with outreach-oriented legal service programs or community-based legal work.

Responsibilities

Bankruptcy, Estate planning, Mobile homeowner rights (50–75% of role)
Provide consultations and direct legal services; prepare legal documents and filings.
Conduct community education presentations.
Support homeowner-focused outreach efforts.
Strengthen relationships with community organizations to expand awareness and improve service delivery.
Primary lead for meeting assigned project deliverables that support increased access to legal services, prevention of displacement, preservation of homeownership, and the development of sustainable long term service capacity in these issue areas.
Track deliverables, maintain required documentation, and coordinate with the Directing Attorney, Director of Legal Programs, and Director of Compliance & Legal Technology to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
General Staff Attorney Duties
Provide legal services in federal Indian law, environmental law, and expungement of criminal matters.
Provide legal services unique to the Eastern Field Office: senior legal services, simple probate avoidance, civil legal aid, tenant rights/eviction defense, consumer rights, and public benefits.
Client Development & Community Engagement
Develop and maintain strong relationships with Tribes and Tribal organizations in the service territory, including all funding sources.
Ensure the office pursues and secures meaningful opportunities to work with Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native American individuals throughout the service territory.
Support client development tied to all CILS funding sources (grants, contracts, donations, etc.).
Organizational & Program Support
Collaborate on legal work management with Directing Attorneys and the Director of Legal Programs.
Assist with the administration of local legal work management systems.
Contribute to the development and implementation of grants and special projects.

Benefits

Multiple high-quality, and low-cost medical plans including medical, dental and vision.
100% coverage for the employee and 90% for dependent premiums.
Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible medical/dental, dependent care, and public transportation expenses.
403(b) retirement plan with employer match – up to 5% of your annual salary.
18 paid holidays annually (includes office closure from December 24-January 1).
Vacation time off, starting at 13 days accrued per year.
Sick leave is set at 12 days per year.
Paid leave for jury duty/witness services, Election Day, bereavement.
Free professional development courses and learning opportunities.
Employee Assistance Program
Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) for full-time attorney positions with eligible loans. Up to $700 reimbursement per month depending on payment plan.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Certified Employer
Life insurance of 2x your annual salary.
Supplemental insurance, including additional life and disability coverage available to purchase.
California State Bar annual dues paid for all attorneys.