Job Description

VLI seeks a full-time Staff Attorney to provide free family law legal services to clients who qualify as indigent. The candidate will primarily provide legal assistance to self-represented parties with family law issues in Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties. Family law services provided by VLI include dissolution of marriage, child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, domestic violence restraining orders, and other misc. family law related issues. The candidate may serve as attorney of record or attorney in limited scope on a case by case determination, depending on a client’s ability to adequately represent his or her own interests in court. The candidate will also assist in administering the monthly Family Law Clinic, where volunteer attorneys consult with VLI clients about their cases. The Staff Attorney will also lead trainings and provide technical assistance to volunteers and review completed applications for eligibility, legal work, and/or placement with a pro bono attorney.

Reporting to and working in close collaboration with the Managing Attorney, the Staff Attorney will handle a diverse caseload and will also be responsible for conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and appearing in court to advocate on behalf of clients.

Requirements

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain an active caseload and provide quality legal services to mentally ill, low-income, disabled and homeless former and active service members;
• Interview former and active service members to determine what the legal issue is and if they are eligible for VLI's services;
• Partake in case review meetings to ensure that legal services provided are consistent with VLI’s priorities, policies and procedures, and that they maximize office resources to provide the highest quality client service;
• Work with Managing Attorney to meet the overall goals of the organization;
• Work with and assist volunteers, including law students and pro bono attorneys, with tasks; Liaison with the client veteran community and represent VLI at networking events (occasional nights and weekends required);
• Staff, coordinate and supervise legal clinics and trainings on a variety of legal issues that affect veterans;
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Active membership in the California State Bar;
• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable law and community legal needs; Excellent written and verbal communication and organizational skills;
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff effectively at all levels of the organization;
• Good people skills and the ability to maintain positive relations with a diverse population; Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma- informed frameworks;
• Ability to assume responsibility quickly and work independently and as part of a team; Ability to use good judgment, multitask, and meet deadlines
• Experience in developing and leading trainings preferred;
• Experience working with veterans, people with disabilities, and people who are low-income and/or homeless preferred;
• Strong teaching and public speaking skills preferred; Previous experience in a legal services program preferred; Housing experience a plus;
• VA Accreditation a plus;
• Experience in representing mentally ill, low-income people, special populations, or military in civil litigation or administrative proceedings a strong plus;
• Knowledge of VA or government benefits, including SSI/SSDI, a strong plus; and
• Military service, related military background, or military familiarity of modern issues a plus.

Benefits

Partially-funded healthcare. Dental and vision insurance also offered. 401(k) program with company percentage match, sick and vacation time, paid State and Local Bar Fees after 90 days of employment, paid training, and employer-sponsored basic life insurance policy.

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