Staff Attorney - Temporary

Cora•San Mateo, CA

13d•$0 - $50•Onsite

About The Position

CORA is hiring a temporary Staff Attorney for approximately six months to provide legal assistance and representation to survivors of intimate partner abuse. The attorney will handle family law and related criminal law issues, working closely with CORA’s legal team and program staff and reporting to the Senior Manager of Legal Services. The anticipated timeframe is February 1, 2027 through July 30, 2027; the start or end date may vary based on agency need and candidate availability by mutual agreement. The role is scheduled for 30–40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. It is not remote eligible and is not benefits eligible. The position is non-exempt, temporary, and pays $50 per hour. The successful candidate will be mission-oriented, adaptable, self-reflective, empathetic, collaborative, and skilled in interpersonal communication. CORA is the only agency in San Mateo County solely focused on serving people experiencing intimate partner abuse. Its services include a 24-hour hotline, law-enforcement collaboration, emergency shelter options, legal services, family-centered mental health therapy, community education, and prevention programming. CORA serves people regardless of age, race or ethnicity, financial status, language, sexual orientation, immigration status, class, religion, gender, gender expression, or mental or physical ability. The position is not subject to mandated reporting under California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA). Maintaining confidentiality is essential; unauthorized disclosure of protected information may violate law and result in disciplinary action, up to termination.

Requirements

Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar.
Knowledge of family and criminal court systems and systems advocacy.
Ability to comprehend and analyze legal information, including statutes and case law, and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Experience working with diverse staff and clients, including people who have experienced trauma or are in crisis, in an empathetic and non-judgmental manner.
Strong work ethic; ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and contribute as a team member.
Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.
Completion of the 40-hour training mandated by the California Office of Emergency Services, or willingness to complete it; CORA will provide the training.
Valid California driver’s license and insurance, and ability to drive a personal vehicle for work travel within San Mateo County.
Clearance of a background check, including Department of Justice fingerprinting.
Eligibility to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working with survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and/or human trafficking in civil, family, or criminal court.
Bilingual oral and written English/Spanish skills.

Responsibilities

Represent survivors of domestic violence in San Mateo County family court proceedings, including restraining order, child custody and support, and parentage cases.
Assist self-represented litigants with preparing, filing, and serving forms related to their family law cases.
Provide legal information, brief advice, supportive services, and referrals to callers using CORA’s legal information line.
Support the legal team with litigation and case management.
Mentor pro bono attorneys through the San Mateo County Domestic Violence Pro Bono Collaborative.
Provide professional training to staff, volunteers, law enforcement, partner agencies, and other groups, and participate in community meetings as assigned by the supervisor.
Communicate effectively and tactfully while advocating for clients with law enforcement, courts, the district attorney, opposing counsel, and community agencies.
Collect and maintain statistical records on services provided as required by the Grants Officer and funders, and ensure compliance with funding requirements.
Maintain confidentiality of client, staff, volunteer, and agency information.
Maintain appropriate boundaries with clients and staff.
Work with other CORA departments to best serve clients and the community.
Perform other duties as assigned.