Staff Attorney - Family Law

Community Legal Aid SoCal; Norwalk (CA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with employer contribution

Paid holidays + PTO

Student loan reimbursement program

Bilingual bonus pay

Job summary

Community Legal Aid SoCal seeks a Staff Attorney for its Los Angeles County Family Law Unit, based in Norwalk. You will provide legal advice and representation to low-income clients, handling a diverse family law caseload and advocating for vital outcomes.

You will supervise paralegals and law students, engage in outreach, and support policy efforts, while coordinating across CLA SoCal’s units to maximize impact and access to justice.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and active California Bar in good standing.
• Bilingual Spanish preferred; strong written and spoken skills.
• Experience representing clients in family law matters.
• Proven ability to manage complex caseloads and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload with full representation, limited scope, and pro per matters in family law.
• Prepare pleadings, motions, and court documents; interview clients for court readiness.
• Negotiate settlements and represent clients at hearings across LA/OC counties.
• Conduct legal research, maintain case records, and engage in policy advocacy.

Skills

Litigation experience

Spanish bilingual

Excellent communication

Time management

Education

Juris Doctor

Tools

Microsoft Office

XSpouse

Job description

Description

Advocate for families, inspire positive outcomes, and build a meaningful legal career, join us today! The family Law Unit Staff Attorney will work as a member of Community Legal Aid's Los Angeles County based Family Law Unit to provide legal advice and representation to low-income clients in family law cases. This full-time exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney and will be based out of Community Legal Aid's Norwalk office.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload with a mix of full representation, limited scope, and pro per assistance in family law matters in the areas of dissolution of marriage, parentage, domestic violence and domestic violence restraining orders, child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, and other family law matters through resolution of the matter.
• Prepare pleadings, motions, declarations, trial briefs, and points and authorities for family law proceedings.
• Interview clients and prepare them to appear in court both as a witness and as a pro per litigant.
• Propound and respond to discovery, including taking and defending depositions.
• Negotiate and prepare settlement agreements.
• Represent clients at court appearances, including contested hearings primarily in southern Los Angeles County (Downtown Los Angeles, Whittier, Compton, Long Beach) but potentially any courthouse in Los Angeles County or Orange County.
• Provide compassionate legal counsel and maintain effective communication with clients throughout their case.
• Conduct legal research, case investigations, and prepare pleadings, memoranda, correspondence, and other legal documents.
• Maintain accurate case records, notes, and daily timekeeping in the case management system (Legal Server).
• Work with community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials.
• Engage in policy advocacy, coordinate, and collaborate in policy campaigns with partner community-based organizations to improve systemic issues in accordance with LSC requirements.
• Direct and supervise the legal work of?paralegal?and law?students, interns, and volunteers, as needed.
• Identify wrap around legal services and work collaboratively with CLA SoCal’s various legal units.
• Foster and demonstrate a multi-cultural perspective.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

Requirements

Education

• Juris Doctor degree and an active member in good standing with the California Bar.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance and ability to travel frequently in and around the service area - Required.
• Knowledge?of family law including but not limited to:?domestic violence restraining orders;?dissolution of marriage, legal separation, or nullity of marriage;?child?custody and visitation;?child support;?spousal support;?and?general civil law and motion and civil procedure – Preferred.
• Litigation experience, including representing clients in family law hearings, law and motion practice, and propounding and responding to discovery – Preferred.?
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, survivors of?domestic violence, sexual assault, or other trauma?- Preferred.
• Bilingual spoken and written proficiency in Spanish – Strongly Preferred.
• Articulate, creative, and passionate advocate with excellent written and oral communication and problem-solving skills.
• Strong personal work ethic, initiative, and ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet critical deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to spot legal issues and comfort with providing real-time counsel and advice.
• Strong interpersonal skills, client communication skills, and passion for working with indigent clients.
• Strong technical skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, OneDrive, OneNote, etc.), XSpouse.
• Great organizational and time management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.
• Commitment to CLA SoCal's mission and values. - Required

Holistic Benefits

• May work as little as 35-hour workweek.
• A hybrid schedule may be available when the program is established.
• 16 paid holidays + PTO (including wellness days) starting Day 1
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Student loan reimbursement program
• Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff

About CLA SoCal

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a welcoming and hopeful non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We provide equal employment opportunities. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities. All individuals who are seeking a welcoming environment who celebrate and value the unique characteristics of every member of the team who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.