Description:

Overview:
The Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County has an opening for a Housing & Probate Attorney in our Santa Maria. The position is primarily funded through the Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act, which targets cases involving critical legal issues that affect basic human needs such as housing eviction, conservatorship, and guardianship. The Shriver program strives to ensure meaningful access to justice for low-income litigants. The attorney provides legal counsel, advice, and representation to low-income individuals facing eviction or other landlord-tenant issues, guardianship of the person and conservatorships of the person based on procedural stance and priorities of each matter.

Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following range of duties: conducting client interviews, providing advice and counsel, representing clients at all stages of litigation - including but limited to law and motion, trials, post-trial relief; updating and inputting information into case management system; working collaboratively with one intake coordinator; providing education and outreach efforts directed at community members, advocates and service providers; grant reporting, evaluation, and monitoring; and other duties as assigned.

Location: Santa Maria, CA
Work environment: Monday through Friday, 37.5 hours per week (Exempt). Hybrid work schedule with a combination of work from home and office based on office needs, expected to be 1-2 days per week. Coverage for in-person settlements conferences and other court appearances required. Occasional evening and/or weekend meetings and events. The position requires working with individuals during moments of stress and instability.

Qualifications:

Juris Doctor degree and an active member in good standing of the California Bar.
Strong personal work ethic, initiative, and ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet critical deadlines with minimal supervision.
Ability to spot legal issues and provide real-time counsel & advice.
Strong interpersonal skill, client communication skills and comfort working with indigent clients.
Articulate, creative, and passionate advocate with excellent written and oral communication skills, and problem-solving skills.
Strong technical skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
Great organizational skills with attention to detail.
Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy or other ability to travel in and around the service area for representation, community events, etc.

Desired Qualifications:

Language: Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred but not required;
Experience working with support staff;
Experience in unlawful detainers, housing, or guardianship/conservatorship matters;
Experience working with low-income communities;
Experience working with a civil legal aid organization or non-profit organization.
Two or more years of legal experience.

Salary & Benefits: Salary range of $70,000 to $90,000 depending on experience. Generous personal leave and benefits package, including paid vacation, sick leave, all court holidays, health/dental/vision insurance (100% of premiums covered for employee), life insurance with Employee Assistance Program, and option to participate in 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution to a SEP-IRA. Employer covers State Bar fees and one local bar association membership

Application Process:
Applications will be accepted immediately and on a rolling basis until the position is filled but priority consideration will be given to those who apply by March 31, 2023. Please submit 1) resume and 2) a list of three references.

The Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, religion, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, marital or registered domestic partner status, or any other legally protected status. We strongly encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance

Schedule:
Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required as a condition of employment before date of hire. Reasonable accommodations will be considered.

License/Certification: