Description:

We're a dynamic legal non-profit committed to fighting injustice and advocating for social, economic, and racial equity by providing compassionate, holistic, and impactful legal services. Join our team, and together we can work towards a world where equity and justice are not a goal, but a given!

The Public Benefits Staff Attorney will work as part of the Public Benefits Unit to represent and provide legal services to members of the community facing challenges related to their federal and state public benefits. This full-time exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney.

Responsibilities:

Represent clients in Social Security Retirement, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, General Relief, CA Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB), CalFresh, CalWORKs, and CAPI cases.
Counsel, advise, and represent clients during administrative review regarding eligibility for benefits, up to and including Administrative Law Hearings.
Counsel, advise, and represent clients in State and Federal court following exhaustion of administrative remedies, including State and Federal appeals.
Dependent on grant, assist with grant reporting and tracking grant deliverables.
Counsel, advise and represent clients in legal matters.
Maintain detailed and accurate case notes and timekeeping in case management system (LegalServer).
Interview clients. Effectively and efficiently communicate with clients.
Engage in case investigation, witness interviews, factual and legal research.
Effective direct and cross examination of witnesses.
Research and write pleadings, memoranda, correspondence and other legal documents.
Work with community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials.
Engage in policy advocacy, coordinate, and collaborate in policy campaigns with partner community-based organizations to improve systemic issues.
Direct and supervise the legal work of paralegal and law students, interns, and volunteers.
Work with a multi-cultural perspective of inclusion and diversity.
Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

Requirements:

Juris Doctor degree and an active member in good standing of the California Bar or member to another state bar and ability to register as a legal services provider.
Knowledge of Social Security Retirement, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, General Relief, CA UIB, CalFresh, CalWORKs, and CAPI- Preferred.
Experience with Administrative Law as well as State and Federal Appeals - Preferred.
Articulate, creative, and passionate advocate with excellent written and oral communication skills, computer skills, and problem-solving skills.
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 comfort with providing real-time counsel & advice.
Strong interpersonal skill, client communication skills and comfort working with indigent clients.
Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
Great organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
Desire to learn as well as share knowledge with other team members.
Empathetic and energetic attitude while working with others.
Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.
Proven interest in social justice issues.
Ability to model CLA SoCal's values (compassion, collaboration, trust, accountability and equity) in the performance of job duties – Required.
Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy or other ability to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners - Required.
Prior legal services advocacy experience – Preferred.
Bilingual proficiency – Preferred.