Staff Attorney

QUALIFICATIONS CRITERIA:

a. Knowledge of the principles and procedures of litigation in state and federal courts,
administrative agencies and hearing rights; substantive areas of law relevant to program/office case priorities; principles of community development and establishment of working relationships; the theories of changes in the law and how to implement strategies for developing changes; principles and procedures of legislative advocacy; the importance of written reports to management; computer research methods.

b. Skills: Client interviewing, investigation, legal research, analytical reasoning ability,
creativity, excellent English writing skills, negotiation, trial skills, appellate writing and oral argument, communication/listening skills, ability to work under stress and short time lines, ability and desire to work with/for low-income people, older adults and people with disabilities, ability to empathize with client communities, and the ability to do online research.

c. Language: An ability to relate to the client community being served; bilingual in a language spoken by client communities preferred, but not required.

d. Housing/Landlord-Tenant law experience, particularly unlawful detainer defense, preferred but not required.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

J.D. and a member of the California Bar or awaiting California Bar results and otherwise eligible for admission. This is an entry-level position or higher - law graduate or attorney with one (1) to three (3) years’ experience working with low-income people preferred; experience with community outreach and organizing preferred; Spanish-speaking ability preferred, but not required.

SALARY RANGE: Beginning at $5,417/month - DOE according to scale.

BENEFITS: Legal Services of Northern California offers an excellent fringe benefit plan.

LSNC PROVIDES A BILINGUAL BONUS FOR EMPLOYEES WHO SPEAK A SECOND LANGUAGE, OTHER THAN ENGLISH, COMMONLY SPOKEN BY CLIENTS WHEN THE SECOND LANGUAGE IS USED ON THE JOB FOR WHICH THE PERSON IS EMPLOYED.