Contract Dependency Attorney—Advocate for Kids

Children's Law Center of California; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program

Medical, Dental, Life Insurance

Up to 6% employer matched retirement

Parental Leave

Flexible working environment

Paid vacation/sick/holiday time

Job summary

Children's Law Center of California seeks an Attorney for a full-time, contract position (Nov 2026–Apr 2027) to represent children in dependency proceedings. The role reports to a Supervising Attorney and carries a generous benefits package.

You will apply case law, prepare motions, coordinate with social workers, medical providers, and public defenders, and advocate for clients across diverse backgrounds. California Bar in good standing and a JD are required; valid CA driver's license and

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor Degree & a member in good standing of the State Bar of California.
• A valid California driver’s license, reliable automobile, and auto insurance are required.
• Prior experience in dependency law or trial experience preferred.
• Interest & proficiency in working with children & youth in diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Assess critical issues of each assigned case and advocate for each client.
• Maintain professional relationships with bench officers, social workers, attorneys, CASAs & service providers.
• Investigate and direct social work investigators to obtain facts for cases.
• Apply dependency case law, statutes & court rules and effectively present at trial.
• Prepare witnesses and apply evidentiary rules and objections.

Skills

Dependency law

Trial experience

Caseload management

Diversity and communication

Education

Juris Doctor Degree

Job description

Children's Law Center of California seeks an Attorney for a full-time, contract position (Nov 2026–Apr 2027) to represent children in dependency proceedings. The role reports to a Supervising Attorney and carries a generous benefits package.

You will apply case law, prepare motions, coordinate with social workers, medical providers, and public defenders, and advocate for clients across diverse backgrounds. California Bar in good standing and a JD are required; valid CA driver's license and