Staff Attorney

at  California Rural Legal Assistance Inc

WHO WE ARE: Founded in 1966, CRLAs mission is to fight for justice and individual rights alongside the most exploited communities of our society. Through a network of regional offices and cross-cutting programs, CRLA provides legal services to tens of thousands of low-income people annually. Our work impacts farmworkers, indigenous populations, individuals with disabilities, immigrant populations, LGBTQ+ communities, women, children, and low-income families in rural areas.

• Position: Staff Attorney
• Experience: 6+ months
• Application Deadline: Open until filled
• Location: FresnoOffice
• Other: FLSA Exempt, Full-Time, Union Position

Reporting to the Regional Directing Attorney, the Staff Attorney provides comprehensive legal services to eligible clients in CRLA priority areas in accordance with CRLA program guidelines, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services, and the Code of Professional Responsibility.

Essential Responsibilities/Duties:

• Provides 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.
• Reviews and supervises the work product of Community Workers and Clerical support staff relating to all clients being advised or represented by him/her.
• Undertakes significant statewide impact activity, including institutional and group litigation or community economic development beneficial to the low-income community.
• Develops leadership in working with community, client, and other advocacy groups related to statewide impact issues.
• Works to develop specialized knowledge in a substantive area of poverty law and acts as a resource for other staff through participation in at least one CRLA task force.
• Coordinates advocacy in substantive areas through collaboration with other human services providers, non-profit organizations, and community, client, or other advocacy groups.
• Participates in CRLA training programs, local office case reviews or staff meetings, or other CRLA activities as required.
• Provides community education regarding legal rights and prepares materials relating to these presentations.
• Works with members of the private bar as necessary in accordance with CRLA Private Bar Involvement.
• Maintains contemporaneous time records in the CRLA case management system.
• Maintains a good working relationship with all members of the office staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Admitted to practice law in the State of CA or willing to take the next CA Bar Exam.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with low-income clients.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Able to meet deadlines and perform multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
• Good people skills and the ability to maintain positive relations with a diverse population.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A highly qualified and desirable candidate would also have the following:

• Experience working with low-income families and communities.
• Experience in a non-profit legal services environment.
• Prior experience in legal services and additional language ability relevant.
• Bilingual (English & Spanish).

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• Provides 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.
• Reviews and supervises the work product of Community Workers and Clerical support staff relating to all clients being advised or represented by him/her.
• Undertakes significant statewide impact activity, including institutional and group litigation or community economic development beneficial to the low-income community.
• Develops leadership in working with community, client, and other advocacy groups related to statewide impact issues.
• Works to develop specialized knowledge in a substantive area of poverty law and acts as a resource for other staff through participation in at least one CRLA task force.
• Coordinates advocacy in substantive areas through collaboration with other human services providers, non-profit organizations, and community, client, or other advocacy groups.
• Participates in CRLA training programs, local office case reviews or staff meetings, or other CRLA activities as required.
• Provides community education regarding legal rights and prepares materials relating to these presentations.
• Works with members of the private bar as necessary in accordance with CRLA Private Bar Involvement.
• Maintains contemporaneous time records in the CRLA case management system.
• Maintains a good working relationship with all members of the office staff.
• Other duties as assigned