Staff Attorney

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Pomona (CA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

National Legal Aid & Defender Association in Pomona, CA is seeking an Attorney to advocate for clients in dependency proceedings, in court and in related settings. The role emphasizes rigorous case analysis, legal research, and effective courtroom presentation to protect clients' best interests.

The attorney will collaborate with bench officers, social workers, CASA coordinators, and public defenders to obtain facts, prepare motions, and ensure timely services while respecting cultural diversity

Responsibilities

• Assess critical issues of each case and advocate for clients in dependency matters.
• Maintain professional relationships with bench officers, courtroom personnel, social workers, attorneys, CASAs and service providers.
• Independently investigate and direct social work investigators to gather facts.
• Apply dependency case law, statutes and court rules with effective trial and courtroom presentation.
• Prepare persuasive motions, pleadings, briefs and memos of law, and ensure timely submissions.
• Engage resources such as Education resources, Medical providers, Mental health professionals and other experts to support clients.

Job description

Position Description

POSITION TITLE: ATTORNEY

Reports to: Supervising Attorney

Salary: $88,510-$118,946 /annually (based on experience and qualifications)

Job Snapshot

Our CLC Attorney will have a deeply demonstrated commitment to the legal representation of clients in dependency proceedings in and out of court.

Your Impact on the Mission – Excellence in Advocacy

• Assess the critical issues of each assigned case and advocate for each client by:
• Maintain professional effective working relationships with bench officers, courtroom personnel, social workers, attorneys, CASAs & service providers.
• Independently investigating & appropriately directing social work investigators to obtain facts needed to properly assess each case.
• Effectively applying dependency case law, statutes & court rules; Using effective trial & courtroom presentation skills.
• Using sound case analysis & judgement; Effectively negotiating with other counsel.
• Prepare witnesses & apply evidentiary rules & objections.
• Prepares clear, concise and persuasive motions, pleading, briefs and memorandums of law, as well correspondence & reports as needed by thoroughly researching applicable law. Submit documents in a timely manner.
• Engages available resources to properly represent & advocate for our client’s best interest, including but not limited to: Education resources, Medical providers & Mental health professionals, Regional center resources, Community based services providers, Other legal experts or consultants, such as Legal Aid, Public Counsel, Alliance for Children’s Rights, etc., Public Defenders in Delinquency Court and Department 95.
• Demonstrate sensitivity & awareness of cultural differences to effectively communicate & advocate for clients from diverse backgrounds. Develops professional relationships with and provides sound advice to clients using frequent age-appropriate interviews that adhere to ethical standards. Follows up on client requests & court orders to ensure that clients receive services in a timely manner.
• Treat clients’ caregivers and family members respectfully.
• Continuous learning: staying informed and adapting evolving social dynamics to better engage and support clients from all backgrounds.