PROGRAM SUMMARY:
Founded in 1967, California Indian Legal Services (CILS) is the oldest public interest Indian rights law firm in the country, promoting the fundamental rights of California tribes and Indians through litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy, community development, and other strategies for systemic change. CILS provides a full range of legal representation to California Indian tribes and Indian organizations, advocates for the rights of California Indians at the local, state, and national levels, and provides direct services and community education to low-income Native American individuals on issues related to Federal Indian Law. Currently, CILS offers services statewide and maintains four offices throughout California – Eastern (Bishop), Southern (Escondido), Northern (McKinleyville), and Central (Sacramento). This position is in the Southern Office, located in Escondido, CA. For additional information about CILS, go to our website at www.calindian.org.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Special Projects Domestic Violence (DV) Staff Attorney will work collaboratively with the DV Advocate to provide exceptional legal services in domestic violence , sexual assault, stalking and sex trafficking cases. This position includes general office and case management work and travel to meet in person with clients. The Special Projects DV Staff Attorney is a full-time exempt position and serves clients in the Riverside and San Bernadino Counties of California. This position is fully remote for candidates residing in Southern California with a preference for candidates who are based near the Riverside and San Bernardino metro areas.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Culturally sensitive legal representation and assistance to Native American and non-Native American survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in state court and where appropriate Tribal Court.
• Legal representation shall include but not be limited to: Domestic Violence protection proceedings, child custody, divorce, civil harassment proceedings, evictions, and other legal matters needed by the Domestic Violence victim.
• Work closely with the CILS DV Advocate on intake procedures, document collection, safety planning, and other case related activities.
• Travel to meet with clients in person in Riverside and San Bernardino counties for interviews and court appearances.
• Work with Strong Hearted Native Women’s Coalition, The Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, and other tribal and non-tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault organizations on developing partnerships for sharing resources and referrals to meet client needs.
• Conduct walk-in clinics.
• Work with state, local and tribal law enforcement on securing effective enforcement of Tribal Court Domestic Violence Orders when issued.
• Attend Domestic Violence Advocate training and related conferences to stay current on new issues and developments in the area of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in Indian Country.
• Manage and maintain a client caseload in a well-organized and professional responsible manner.
• Carry out other duties as assigned.
SALARY:
Competitive salary: $73,489 - $83,000. CILS creates job position wage and salary ranges using data from California non-profit legal services annual data sources; employees are placed within a range depending on degrees, certifications, experience, qualifications, and other factors.
BENEFITS:
CILS provides an extensive benefits package, including:
• Multiple high-quality and low-cost medical plans.
• 100% coverage for the employee and 90% for dependent premiums.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible Medical/Dental, Dependent Care, and Public Transportation expenses.
• 403b retirement plan with employer match.
• 17 paid holidays annually (includes office closure December 24-January 1) plus an additional day for your birthday.
• Vacation time off starting at 13 days accrued per year.
• Sick leave is set at 12 days per year.
• Paid leave for Jury duty/witness, Election Day, Bereavement.
• Free professional development courses and learning opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program with access to free mental health services.
• Loan Repayment Assistance Program for eligible positions.
• Supplemental insurance, including additional life and disability coverage.
LOCATION:
This position is fully remote and is based out of the Southern Office (Escondido, CA). Occasional travel to the Southern Office will be required.
Must have
• Experience working with and on behalf of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors is necessary.
• Familiarity with trauma informed and culturally aware legal services.
• Ability to build relationships with community partners and at times, with client consent, to work collaboratively to achieve desired outcomes for clients.
• J.D. from an accredited law school and current California bar membership in good standing.
• Demonstrated knowledge of California Family Law with at least 1-3 years of experience practicing law.
• Excellent communication, writing and organizational skills.
• Strong work ethic.
• Ability to travel overnight and possess a valid driver’s license.
• A commitment to providing high quality legal services for Native Americans and others.
• Ability to work independently, as part of a team and to take initiative.
• Proficient in office computer software applications.
Desired
• Familiarity or experience working with Native Americans, tribes, and communities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Federal Indian law.
• Experience working under and reporting for grants.
• Candidate residing in Riverside or San Bernardino metro areas
Go to www.calindian.org/careers/ and submit a resume, cover letter, three professional references and a writing sample.
NLADA Mutual Insurance Co., RRG
