Staff Attorney

Reporting to the LGBTQ+ Justice Program Director, the Staff Attorney provides comprehensive legal services to eligible clients in CRLA's priority areas of employment, public benefits, education, and leadership development, with a focus on serving LGBTQ+ communities in accordance with CRLA program guidelines, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services and the Code of Professional Responsibility. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated interest in serving the target populations and an enthusiasm for creative advocacy.

Essential Responsibilities/Duties:

• Provide legal services (advice, negotiation, litigation & administrative advocacy) to low-income client communities with a special focus on LGBTQ+ communities in accordance with program priorities and case handling policies.
• Review and supervise the work product of LGBTQ+ Justice Program Community Workers and Clerical support staff relating to all clients being advised or represented by them.
• Undertake significant statewide impact activity, including institutional and group litigation or community economic development beneficial to the low-income LGBTQ+ communities.
• Develop leadership in working with LGBTQ+ communities, clients and other advocacy groups related to statewide impact issues.
• Advocate in legislative, administrative, and regulatory forums, as permissible.
• Prepare and provide community education regarding legal rights.
• Provide training on cultural humility and sensitivity to agencies and service providers on serving LGBTQ+ communities.
• Provide training and subject matter expertise internally to CRLA advocates on serving LGBTQ+ communities.
• Coordinate advocacy in substantive areas through collaboration with other human services providers, organizations, communities, and advocacy groups.
• Participate in training programs, case reviews, staff meetings and other CRLA activities.
• Collaborate with members of the private bar as necessary.
• Maintain contemporaneous time records in case management system.
• Work 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.
• Maintain great working relationship with 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.
• Willingness to work some evenings and weekends, and to travel regionally.

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

• Experience working with LGBTQ+ communities.
• Experience working with low-income families and communities.
• Experience in a non-profit legal services environment.
• 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.