FJC Domestic Violence Staff Attorney
Status: 1.00 FTE Exempt
Reports to: Domestic Violence Supervising Attorney
Legal Aid of Sonoma County (LASC) is a non-profit organization that provides low-income clients assistance with domestic violence and elder abuse issues, disaster relief, housing, immigration, veterans’ benefits and related legal remedies. LASC seeks a domestic violence attorney (DVA) to provide legal services to victims of domestic violence (DV), sexual assault, child abuse, human trafficking, and stalking.
The DVA will be an employee of Legal Aid of Sonoma County (Legal Aid is not a government agency nor affiliated with the Court) but will work on-site at the Family Justice Center Sonoma County (FJC). Legal Aid’s DV team helps people with protective orders and related legal remedies. Services include assistance with pleadings, legal advice and information, and in-court representation. The DV team consists of two bilingual caseworkers and two attorneys.
The Family Justice Center is a collaboration of the District Attorney’s office, law enforcement, and co-located non-profits serving victims of violence. Staff at the FJC must be able to work well in close quarters with a variety of government agencies and community partners. Legal Aid carries an extensive caseload, and the environment is very fast paced.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Legal Support for Clients:
Provide high quality legal services to Legal Aid’s clients at the FJC including legal intake and case assessment, drafting restraining order applications (including custody applications if applicable); and representing clients in court.
Collaborate on behalf of clients with FJC partners including law enforcement, district attorney, YWCA and other community agencies.
Follow legal case protocol and maintain organized case files.
Provide legal supervision to Legal Aid’s FJC Bilingual Caseworker, and to any Legal Aid volunteers/interns assigned to the FJC.
General:
Attend regularly scheduled partner meetings at the FJC and staff meetings at the Legal Aid offices.
Maintain up-to-date case notes and client demographic data in both the Legal Aid online client database (LegalServer) and on Excel.
Conduct various service evaluation activities including follow-up interviews and case management for litigants who received assistance at the FJC.
Collect and maintain statistical records on services provided, as required by funders.
This is not a remote position; services are provided in person at the FJC or LASC main office in Santa Rosa CA during normal business hours.
Other tasks as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
Licensed to practice Law in the State of California.
Demonstrated ability to work with all persons regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, economic background, immigration status, gender identification, or sexual orientation, with an understanding of the special needs of domestic violence and assault victims.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a diverse team.
Must be flexible, work well under pressure, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively.
A firm commitment to accurate and timely data collection and time reporting (on bi-weekly time sheets and in the client database) is required.
Working knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office, legal forms software programs, and database programs.
Valid CA Driver’s License and proof of current automobile insurance required.
Skills/Experience Desired:
Prior domestic violence law experience preferred.
Two or more years substantial legal representation experience preferred.
Prior legal services experience and/or experience representing low-income or under-served communities.
Bilingual in Spanish
SALARY RANGE: $73,000 - $100,000 depending on years of active Bar experience plus a generous benefits package.
Benefits: Legal Aid of Sonoma County provides a dynamic and supportive work environment, and an excellent benefit package, after the completion of an initial 90-day introductory period. Benefits include eligibility for company paid health insurance for the employee or cash-in-lieu, company paid dental insurance, eligibility for 401K participation after one year of continuous employment, and very generous paid vacation/sick/holiday leave policies.
Note that employment at LASC is “at will” and completion of the introductory period does not create an employment contract.
Legal Aid of Sonoma County is an equal opportunity employer.