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

Public Law Center•Santa Ana, CA

19d•$70,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Law Center’s Family Law Unit seeks an energetic, passionate advocate to provide legal assistance to low-income individuals in Orange County. The role provides advice and counsel on family law matters received through phone calls, partner referrals, or clinics; prepares court forms; and represents litigants in a limited scope. The unit handles matters involving restraining orders, divorces, child custody and visitation, guardianship, and other family law issues, and participates in community education, community-based clinics, and local and statewide advocacy. This full-time hybrid position requires residence in Southern California, the ability to work at the organization’s Santa Ana office, and travel to work sites throughout Orange County. The attorney will attend meetings, clinics, and court appearances remotely and in person, both within and outside PLC offices. 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.
1–2 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.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with family law, including experience as a paralegal, is strongly preferred.

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 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, in and outside PLC offices.
Travel to work sites throughout Orange County and work at the organization’s offices in Santa Ana.
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 added for each year at PLC.
Two hours of paid time off during the employee’s birthday month.
403(b) retirement plan; after six months of employment, PLC provides a matching contribution equal to 100% of salary deferral 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 attaining a sufficiently high score on an oral and/or written test: $50 for the oral premium and $50 for the written premium.
Opportunities for growth and advancement.
Paid California Bar fees, one section membership, and MCLE.