Writ Attorney

Childrens Law Center of California; Monterey Park (CA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Parental leave

Retirement plan

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Professional development

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Children’s Law Center of California is seeking a full-time Writ Attorney in California to handle writ and appeal matters under the supervision of the Firm Director. This role involves drafting notices of appeal, preparing writ petitions, and appearing before the Court of Appeal as needed.

The attorney will collaborate with the Writ Team, perform legal research, contribute to newsletters and case law summaries, and support colleagues in legislative drafting and court rule review.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and good standing with the California Bar.
• Excellent legal writing and research skills and ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Experience with writ or appellate matters is preferred.
• Must have a valid California driver's license and reliable vehicle/insurance.

Responsibilities

• Work with attorneys on writ and appeal related matters.
• Review appellate mail and communicate with attorneys regarding cases.
• Prepare and respond to writ petitions in the Court of Appeal and argue when needed.
• Draft notices of appeal and requests for appointment of appellate counsel.
• Prepare and respond to requests for de/publication and collaborate on in-house research.
• Update and maintain motion banks and assist with writing/editing pleadings and briefs.
• Contribute to the Writ Team newsletter and annual case law summaries.
• Draft Amicus Briefs and assist on special projects as directed by supervision.

Skills

Legal writing

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Case management

Education

Juris Doctor

Tools

Legal research databases

Case management software

Job description

Full-time

Description

POSITION TITLE: WRIT ATTORNEY

Reports to: Supervising Attorney

Salary: $88,510-$118,946/annually (compensation reflective of qualifications and credentials)

Job Snapshot

The position of Writ Attorney encompasses specific performance areas related to handling writ and appeal matters and preparing writs on behalf of a CLC under the supervision of the Firm Director. At the discretion of the Firm Director, the Writ Attorney may be assigned primary responsibility for specific cases.

Your Impact on the Mission – Excellence in Advocacy

• Work closely with attorneys regarding writ and appeal related matters.
• Review appellate mail and communicate with attorneys about cases.
• Prepare and respond to writ petitions (statutory and emergency) in the Court of Appeal and appear before the Court of Appeal for oral argument when appropriate.
• Prepare notices of appeal and requests for appointment of appellate counsel.
• Prepare and respond to requests for de/publication.
• Collaborate as a member of CLC’s Writ Team to prepare in-house legal research, create the monthly newsletter and the annual summary of new case law.
• Draft and review proposed legislation.
• Review and comment on proposed court rules, protocols, and other matters.
• Update and maintain CLC motion bank.
• Assist attorneys in researching legal issues and finding pertinent case law and statutes.
• Assist attorneys in writing and editing points and authorities, motions, briefs, requests for rehearing, and other pleadings and documents.
• Review and/or draft Amicus Briefs on matters of interest to CLC.
• Aid in special projects as requested by the Firm Director or Executive Director.
• Any other duties as requested by Attorney Supervisors or Firm Director.
• Continuous learning: staying informed and adapting evolving social dynamics to better engage and support clients from all backgrounds.

Requirements

The Assets You Possess/Essential Qualifications

Prior experience in dependency law required.

• Juris Doctor degree and a member in good standing of the State Bar Association of California.
• Experience working on writ and/or appellate related matters preferred.
• Must have excellent legal writing and research skills, the ability to work at top performance under tight deadlines, and ability to adapt to different schedules and courtroom assignments on a daily basis.
• A valid California driver’s license, reliable automobile, and auto insurance are required while working for Children’s Law Center.

Perks + Benefits Employees of CLC Enjoy:

Health + Wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Program
• Company-Sponsored Benefits (Medical, Dental, Life Insurance) *
• Up to 6% employer matched retirement plan*
• Generous Parental Leave + Additional Leave Options*
• Fitness/Wellness Program*
• Health Care & Dependent Day Care FSA *
• Transit + Parking Benefits *

Growth + Development

• Durfee Professional Development funds are available for all employees, in good standing, who have been with CLC for at least two years.

Flexibility + Additional

• Flexible working environment (depending on position requirements)
• Paid vacation/sick/holiday time
• CLC will pay the current year’s mandatory bar dues for all attorneys actively employed on the date bar dues are owed and who have no known plans to end employment with CLC within 30 days of the due date. CLC will also pay bar dues for new admittees who are actively employed on their initial payment due date and have no known plans to end employment with CLC within 30 days of the due date.

* Must meet eligibility requirements upon open enrollment

About CLC

CLC is the largest children's legal services organization in the nation, advocating for tens of thousands of children and youth in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Placer County foster care systems. We are a powerful voice for our clients, fighting in and out of the courtroom for family reunification, permanence, educational opportunity, health and mental health services, self-sufficiency, and overall well-being. We want all of California’s children to have the support they need to succeed. We work to accomplish this goal through direct legal representation for children, multidisciplinary advocacy and support, and public policy.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commitment : All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, individual with disability, medical condition, marital status, ancestry, military status, veteran status, protected veteran status, genetics or any other legally protected group status or non-job related characteristic of an individual as directed by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity—Reasonable Accommodation Assistance: Children’s Law Center of California is committed to maintaining an environment of equal opportunity. If you need a reasonable accommodation to access the information provided by this organization, please contact [e-mail] further assistance regarding job postings.

Salary Description

$88,510-$118,946/annually