Description:

Job Description:
We Are Looking for A Full-Time Attorney Committed to Serving Children and Families in Marginalized Communities to Join Our Dynamic Team Working in A Fast-Paced Client Driven Environment. the Staff Attorney Will Represent Children Ages 0-21 at All Stages of Juvenile Dependency Proceedings in Alameda County Superior Court. Ebclo Provides Frequent Trainings to Build Legal Knowledge, Strengthen Courtroom Skills, and Develop a Deeper Understanding of Relevant Issues Affecting Children and Families and Also Provides an Annual Stipend for Outside Trainings.

Primary Duties of Staff Attorney:

Represent a Full Caseload of Children and Youth in All Stages of Juvenile Dependency Court Proceedings.
Interview Clients in Their Homes/community; Advise Clients on Legal Rights, Legal Proceedings, and Decisions Regarding Child Placement; Make Preliminary Evaluation of Conflict of Interest.
Take Appropriate Legal Steps to Best Represent Clients; Advise Clients on The Proper Course of Action; Represent Clients at All Phases of Court Proceedings, Engage in Client, Lay Witness and Expert Witness Contact.
Investigate and Prepare Cases; Analyze Facts in Light of Relevant Legal Considerations; Conduct Legal Research; Prepare Litigation Strategy, Prepare Legal Memoranda, Motions and Briefs, and Argue Specific Legal Motions and Pleadings; Litigate Evidentiary Hearings; Examine and Cross-Examine Witnesses and Challenge Their Qualifications; Argue Cases.
Conduct Contested and Non-Contested Court Appearances, Hearings, and Trials for Parties in Juvenile Court Proceedings, and Seek Appropriate Appellate Relief from Decision of The Juvenile Court by Preparing and Arguing Writs and Notices of Appeal.
Visit Homes and Other Placements for Children, Evaluating and Reporting as Required; Correspond and Communicate with Interested Parties Such as Relatives, Foster Parents, Collateral Service Providers and Social Services Personnel with Regard to Placements, the Status and Legal Rights of Clients; and Handle All Legal Steps Needed to Protect Client's Interests.
Attend Child & Family Team Meetings to Support Clients at Their Request.
Participate in Regular Meetings with Ebclo Supervisors, Courtroom Teams and Staff and Participate in General Office Upkeep Duties, Including Computer Data Entry of Case Information and Timekeeping.
Appear Before Public and Private Groups, as Requested, to Make Presentations and Answer Questions About the Functions of Ebclo.

Essential Qualifications:

Active Member in Good Standing of The State Bar of California.
Strong Written and Verbal Skills.
Demonstrated Interest and Ability in Working with Children and Youth, and With Low-Income and Diverse Communities.
Ability to Work Independently and Be Self-Motivated.
Ability to Drive with Valid Driver's License, Auto Insurance, and Access to Use of An Automobile.
Covid-19 Vaccinations.

Knowledge and Abilities:
We Have a Team of Attorneys and Social Workers Who Are Enthusiastic About Mentoring and Training New Lawyers. as Such We Appreciate Knowledge About the Practice of Indigent Defense and California Statutory and Constitutional Law as Well as Knowledge of Related Areas Including Forensics, Psychology, Substance Abuse and Child Development, but We Are Also Open to Attorney Applicants Who Do Not Have Experience in This Particular Area of Law but Are Eager and Motivated to Learn.

Ability To:

Communicate Effectively with Clients, Lay Witnesses, Expert Witnesses, Child Welfare Workers, Co-Workers, and Other Lawyers and Judges.
Present Legal Arguments Clearly, Logically and Effectively in Oral and Written Form.
Maintain Accurate Records, Logs, and Case Files Including Daily Time Keeping.
Use Good Judgment and Make Appropriate Decisions Even in A Stressful Environment.
Exercise Interpersonal Sensitivity and Flexibility.
Support and Maintain a Collegial and Cooperative Office Culture Which Promotes Equity and The Passionate Representation of Clients.
Establish Working Relationships with Clients of Diverse Racial, Cultural, Socio-Economic, Sogie and Age Backgrounds and Inspire Their Confidence.