Supervising Attorney, Legal Services

UnCommon Law•Oakland, CA

5d•$106,400 - $120,587•Hybrid

About The Position

The Supervising Attorney is responsible for providing high-quality legal representation to individual direct representation clients appearing before the CA Board of Parole Hearings, in addition to providing legal support to Home After Harm program participants and supervision and support across the Legal Team. This role will directly supervise 1-5 Staff Attorneys with less than three years of experience at UCL and may also supervise and/or support law clerks, legal assistants, volunteers, and other Legal Team members as needed. The Supervising Attorney will provide substantive guidance, mentorship, and hands-on training in UCL’s model of representation, helping team members strengthen their legal skills and develop their practice. In addition, the Supervising Attorney will lead educational and training programs for law students, outside attorneys, and other partners. This exempt position reports directly to the Director of Legal Services and offers an annual salary range of $106,400.00 to $120,587.00. As a mission-driven organization, we strive to balance competitive pay with our values. Final salary offers are determined based on the candidate’s job-related skills, experience, and expertise, as assessed during the interview process and aligned with our structured salary schedule. Our office is based in Oakland, CA, and we offer a hybrid work model to our employees.

Requirements

Minimum of three years of experience as an attorney at UCL
Attorney licensed in the State of California
Active California State Bar membership, in good standing
Excellent legal writing skills with an ability to be persuasive, kind, and clear for various audiences
Creative, problem-solving mentality and approach to overcoming obstacles
Willingness to approach client work with kindness, non-judgement, and confidentiality
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and be self-motivated
Communicative team player who can manage competing and time-sensitive priorities
Proficiency in providing trauma-informed client services
Organized, detail-oriented, and possessing time- and project-management skills
Interest and excitement in mentorship, supervision, and talent development
Compassion for incarcerated persons and their family members, and a demonstrated interest in criminal justice reform
Ability to pass a background check that would permit entry into California prisons
Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Box, and Slack, or an ability to learn on the job

Nice To Haves

Experience supervising attorneys and/or other legal staff
Experience in a related legal field either prior to or during law school
Experience working directly with people who are currently or formerly incarcerated
Experience with or knowledge of California’s discretionary parole system
Experience working with volunteers and managing volunteer programs
Proficiency in a language other than English

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of individual clients in preparation for parole hearings
Client representation includes: One-on-one visits with clients in-person, via video, or via telephone, Written correspondence and follow-up, Communication with supporters and loved ones, Document review and feedback, Representation of clients at their parole hearings, Other advocacy on behalf of clients in parole processes (e.g. correcting risk assessments, written and oral statements at en banc hearings, etc.)
Draft, edit, and submit other legal advocacy documents to Board of Parole Hearings or Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials as needed
Participate in Bi-weekly Attorney Case Rounds and Bi-weekly Legal/Clinical Trainings
Manage a caseload of Home After Harm participants, including: Opening case correspondence (opening letter, attorney-client agreement), One in-person legal visit, including preparation and follow-up, Transcript reviews for some participants, Participation in 3-4 workshops per cohort, Miscellaneous written correspondence and follow-up
Supervise revision and editing of existing HAH legal workshops
Assist Director of Legal Services in work planning and project management of legal services for participants
Supervise 1-5 attorneys on UCL’s Legal Team who have less than three years of experience at UCL, including providing weekly check-ins, document review, guidance, and support
Supervise summer law clerks, legal assistants, volunteers as needed
Lead all performance review processes for direct reports, including 90-day and annual reviews
Coordinate hiring, onboarding, and training of any new Staff Attorneys, Legal Fellows, or Legal Assistants with support of the Director of Legal Services
Assist Director of Legal Services in revising and/or creating training materials/series, e.g., Legal/Clinical Trainings and Attorney Case Rounds
Manage the law student Post-Conviction Advocacy Project (PCAP)
Train and supervise law student teams in client representation
Attend and oversee hearings for PCAP clients
Serve as a resource as well as backup for students in their hearings
Lead planning and execution of Lifer School and related UCL educational training programs
Participate in PPS Workshops inside California state prisons
Engage with community organizations and/or legal organizations to provide trainings on the parole process
Lead efforts to formalize UCL’s technical assistance program for outside attorneys
Participate in regular staff meetings
Occasionally participate in in-person team building activities and retreats
Occasionally assist in cross-team collaborative opportunities, such as policy, non-client mail, and fundraising

Benefits

100% Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees on select insurance plans
Covers 75% for dependents on Medical, Dental, and Vision
Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) of $200/month in reimbursable funds for therapeutic expenses
Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
Flexible time off policy
Office closed for two weeks from late December to early January each year
Generous family leave policy
Flexible hours
FSA and retirement plans
Regular access to training and clinical support
13 paid holidays
12 days of sick leave