Staff Attorney - Family Law

Central California Legal Services Inc; Visalia (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Central California Legal Services Inc. seeks a Family Law Staff Attorney based in Visalia to represent domestic violence survivors in civil matters, including restraining orders, child custody, support, and divorce actions against abusers.

The role focuses on guidance, legal support, and safety, working within a dedicated team to serve low-income community members. The attorney will join a dynamic Visalia office, engaging with colleagues and partners across the state; the position emphasizes

Qualifications

• Active member in good standing of the State Bar of California.
• Minimum 2 years of legal experience.
• Excellent litigation and negotiation skills.
• Collaborative, team-oriented professional.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to multitask.
• Willingness to travel as needed; liability insurance for vehicle
• Bilingual ability strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise and represent survivors of domestic violence in related civil proceedings.
• Provide legal representation aligned with CCLS priorities.
• Analyze systemic issues via casework and data reviews; engage in statewide networks.
• Co-Counsel with other staff and pro bono partners.
• Collaborate with staff, clients, and community partners; participate in outreach.
• Attend trainings and share lessons with staff as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Litigation

Negotiation

Team-oriented

Communication (oral/written)

Organized

Travel

Bilingual preferred

Education

Active California Bar admission

Job description

Description

Reports to

Directing Attorney

FLSA Status

Full-Time, Exempt (Union position)

Application Deadline

Until Filled

Salary

$71,194 - $110,565 per year

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Central California Legal Services (CCLS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was founded in 1966 for the purpose of providing free civil legal services to low-income individuals. CCLS core counties include Fresno, Kings, Mariposa, Merced, Tulare, and Tuolumne. CCLS’s health work also extends to San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Stanislaus counties. In Madera County, CCLS provides limited services to seniors and on health issues. CCLS has offices in Fresno, Merced, and Visalia, and satellite offices in Mendota and Los Banos. With nearly one hundred (100) employees, CCLS’s work includes direct services that meet our clients’ immediate needs, education, and advocacy.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Family Law Staff Attorney will be based out of the CCLS Visalia office and will join a dynamic team that assists low income community members with a variety of family law concerns. The Staff Attorney will focus on representation of domestic violence survivors in an effort to provide guidance, legal support and safety. These services will include explanation of related processes and assistance in obtaining restraining orders, child custody orders, child and spousal support orders, and divorces against abusers.

DUTIES

• Advise and represent survivors of domestic violence in related civil proceedings;


• Provide legal representation to clients consistent with CCLS program priorities;


• Identify and analyze systemic issues through individual casework, reviews of the CCLS data, and participation in statewide networks of legal services advocates;


• Co-Counsel with other legal staff and pro bono partners;


• Collaborate with other legal staff, client groups, community-based service providers, and statewide networks;


• Participate in community outreach and education events;


• Attend national or regional trainings as deemed necessary and/or helpful to CCLS, and provide training on lessons learned to other CCLS staff;


• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Active member in good standing of the State Bar of California;


• Minimum 2 years of legal experience;


• Excellent litigation and negotiation skills;


• Collaborative, team-oriented individual able to work with colleagues and external partners;


• Ability to assume responsibility quickly, comfortable under pressure, and able to work independently and as part of a team;


• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills;


• Have an organized, detailed approach;


• Able to use good judgment, multitask, and meet short-notice deadlines;


• Ability to work with a wide range of clients in a kind, appropriate, client-centered manner;


• Bilingual ability strongly preferred;


• Commitment to CCLS’ mission and core values;


• Ability to travel as needed, proof of liability and property insurance on vehicle used.

CCLS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, other non-merit factor or any categories protected by law. CCLS is subject to a Collective Bargaining Agreement.