Job Description: 

The attorney will accept court appointments to represent minors subject to petitions alleging abuse and neglect.  Frequent court appearances will be required in this position.  It is anticipated that the attorney will appear primarily on a law and motion calendar.  Complex trial litigation will also be required in this position.  The attorney will work in tandem with a LACY social worker to assess the needs of minor clients. The attorney will meet with clients in a variety of environments, including office, school, and home settings.  It is expected that the attorney will also provide advocacy for juvenile dependent clients in other legal areas, including education.  Attorney may assist in other LACY projects.

This position will also require participation in LACY’s regular team meetings, staff meetings, and program development activities including assisting the LACY Directing Attorney and Supervising Attorney.  The attorney may also be asked to attend community outreach presentations and court systems meetings.

 Primary Duties

• Provide representation, advocacy, and information for minors in the juvenile dependency system.
• Courtroom advocacy to include trial calendar and law and motion appearances.
• Identify other legal issues for dependent minors and advocate as appropriate.
• Participate in regular meetings with LACY and Law Foundation staff.
• Respond to referrals from service providers.
• Provide technical assistance to attorneys and service providers.
• Participate in general office upkeep duties, including computer data entry of intake information, filing, copying, drafting and filing court documents, and serving notice.
• Maintain statistics on youth served and billing records. 

Qualifications

• Member in good standing of the State Bar of California.
• Experience in courtroom advocacy preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to the rights of children & youth.
• Experience in practice of youth law.
• Compliance with Santa Clara County Juvenile Court Local Rule 2(D)(1)(b)(i).  Specifically, applicant must demonstrate past training in juvenile law or 6 months of experience in juvenile dependency practice within the last 12 months.
• Ability to identify, investigate, and resolve client problems.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
• Ability to manage multiple clients in high-stress situations.
• Ability to work sensitively and productively with minors who have suffered abuse and neglect and those from diverse backgrounds.
• Valid Driver’s License or other transportation to attend hearings, home visits, and outreach presentations.
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, writing, interviewing, and organizational skills.
• Bi-lingual and/or bicultural background desired.
• Experience working with individuals from multi-ethnic communities desired.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent use of computer keyboard.
• Use of office equipment, such as copier, printer, and fax.
• Ability to enter home environments with smoke or other potentially sensitive qualities.

Salary: 

The salary range for the Staff Attorney position is $47,538-$54,508, depending on the person's experience and level of skill, plus excellent benefits package (including health, dental, and life insurance, 401k employer match of 4% after first year, generous vacation and holidays, paid state and local bar dues, annual training stipend, and more).