Description:

Mission Statement
Dependency Advocacy Center provides zealous legal representation to indigent clients in the juvenile dependency system to promote timely reunification and preservation of families in a safe, healthy environment. DAC believes that every parent and child entering the dependency system has a right to be treated with dignity, compassion and respect.

Responsibilities and Duties:
The staff attorney will be responsible for a full caseload representing parents and some children at all stages of the juvenile dependency process. This is a full-time and in-court trial attorney position; the position requires extensive court appearances and daily client contact. When the court schedule allows, hybrid work is possible. Representation includes client interviews, providing ongoing assessments of the merits of cases, conferring with social workers, opposing counsel, and other service providers, appearing at all court hearings, preparing witnesses for trial, participating in mediations and presenting clients' cases to the court during uncontested hearings and bench trials. The attorney will also participate in frequent trainings to build legal knowledge, strengthen courtroom skills, and develop a deeper understanding of relevant systemic and social issues.

Desired Qualifications:

Member in good standing of the State Bar of California (attorney candidates who are eligible under the California Multi-Jurisdictional Practice Rule may be considered)
Knowledge and experience of juvenile dependency law preferred
Experience in courtroom advocacy preferred
Ability to work compassionately and respectfully with clients in crisis
High degree of professionalism
Ability to interact respectfully with judicial officers and adhere to the court's schedule
Demonstrated commitment to public interest issues
Ability to flourish in a high-energy environment
Ability to multi-task and be a productive team player
Excellent verbal, interpersonal, writing, interviewing, and organizational skills
Bilingual skills preferred
Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team of social workers and mentor parents