Director, Access to Justice Programs (Hybrid)

Community Legal Aid SoCal; Norwalk (CA); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid holidays and PTO

401(k) with employer contribution

Student loan reimbursement

Job summary

Community Legal Aid SoCal in California seeks a Directing Attorney for Access to Justice to lead non-case handling programs, including SHLAC, EDPP at LA Superior Court in Compton, and the Orange County Small Claims Advisory Board. This exempt, full-time role reports to the Director of Legal Services.

This position serves as the primary owner for program design, compliance, and funding alignment, with travel to service areas as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of experience as an attorney.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience managing, supervising, and mentoring.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy or travel ability – Required.
• General legal knowledge of State and Federal trial and appellate work – Preferred.
• Previous legal aid or other non-profit organization experience – Preferred.
• Project management or program development experience – Strongly Preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Clio, and other software programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of non-case handling access-to-justice programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, community needs, and compliance requirements.
• Supervise, mentor, and support supervising attorneys and program staff through coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Collaborate with program leaders on strategic planning, goal setting, service delivery improvements, and community partnerships.
• Serve as a key liaison with courts, community organizations, bar associations, government agencies, and organizational leadership.
• Partner with legal leadership to align programs, policies, and services with organizational priorities and strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with Finance, Human Resources, Operations, Compliance, and Fund Development to support effective program management, compliance, and funding requirements.
• Monitor legal trends, emerging community needs, and program performance to inform service enhancements and growth opportunities.
• Support grant development, reporting, pro bono initiatives, and other cross-functional projects that advance access to justice.
• Represent the organization with funders, community partners, courts, bar associations, and regulatory agencies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships that strengthen partnerships, program visibility, and community impact.
• Participate in strategic initiatives that advance equitable access to justice and high-quality legal services.
• Advocate for innovative, community-centered approaches that improve access to legal resources and support underserved populations.

Skills

Program leadership

Staff supervision

Strategic planning

Community partnerships

Grant reporting

Legal research

MS Office

Clio

Education

Juris Doctor

Tools

Clio

Job description

Community Legal Aid SoCal in California seeks a Directing Attorney for Access to Justice to lead non-case handling programs, including SHLAC, EDPP at LA Superior Court in Compton, and the Orange County Small Claims Advisory Board. This exempt, full-time role reports to the Director of Legal Services.

This position serves as the primary owner for program design, compliance, and funding alignment, with travel to service areas as needed.