Staff Attorney

WHO WE ARE: California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLA) is an anti-poverty law firm that dismantles unjust systems through community lawyering in California’s historically rural areas. We work with people priced out of private legal representation so they can uphold civil rights in housing, employment, health, and public education. Through our 17 Rural Justice Centers, communities can access a broad range of legal tools, including direct legal services, place-based advocacy to expand equity in civic institutions, and specialized litigation to advance civil rights.

• Position: LGBTQ+ Justice Program Staff Attorney
• Experience: 6+ months
• Application Deadline: Open until filled
• Location: Stockton or Modesto (CRLA Headquarters)
• Other: FLSA Exempt, Full-Time, Union Position

Reporting to the LGBTQ+ Justice Program Director, the Staff Attorney provides comprehensive legal services to eligible clients in CRLA’s priority areas of employment, public benefits, education, and leadership development, with a focus on serving LGBTQ+ communities in accordance with CRLA program guidelines, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services and the Code of Professional Responsibility.  The ideal candidate will have demonstrated interest in serving the target populations and an enthusiasm for creative advocacy.

Essential Responsibilities/Duties:

• Provide legal services (advice, negotiation, litigation & administrative advocacy) to low-income client communities with a special focus on LGBTQ+ communities in accordance with program priorities and case handling policies.
• Review and supervise the work product of LGBTQ+ Justice Program Community Workers and Clerical support staff relating to all clients being advised or represented by them.
• Undertake significant statewide impact activity, including institutional and group litigation or community economic development beneficial to the low-income LGBTQ+ communities.
• Develop leadership in working with LGBTQ+ communities, clients and other advocacy groups related to statewide impact issues.
• Advocate in legislative, administrative, and regulatory forums, as permissible.
• Prepare and provide community education regarding legal rights.
• Provide training on cultural humility and sensitivity to agencies and service providers on serving LGBTQ+ communities.
• Provide training and subject matter expertise internally to CRLA advocates on serving LGBTQ+ communities.
• Coordinate advocacy in substantive areas through collaboration with other human services providers, organizations, communities, and advocacy groups.
• Participate in training programs, case reviews, staff meetings and other CRLA activities.
• Collaborate with members of the private bar as necessary.
• Maintain contemporaneous time records in case management system.
• Work to develop specialized knowledge in a substantive area of poverty law and acts as a resource for other staff through participation in at least one CRLA task force.
• Maintain great working relationship with staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education And Experience:

• Admitted to practice law in the State of CA or willing to take the next CA Bar Exam.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with low-income clients.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Able to meet deadlines and perform multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
• Good people skills and the ability to maintain positive relations with a diverse population.
• Willingness to work some evenings and weekends, and to travel regionally.

Preferred Education And Experience:

A highly qualified and desirable candidate would also have the following:

• Experience working with LGBTQ+ communities.
• Experience working with low-income families and communities.
• Experience in a non-profit legal services environment.
• Bilingual (English & Spanish).

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Compensation & Benefits:

We offer a diverse, family-friendly environment and compensation based on competitive public interest salaries; generous benefits package which includes 100% employer-covered medical, dental, vision, life, and short & long-term disability insurance for employees and up to 50% for dependents coverage; and 401K retirement plan with CRLA contribution effective immediately. Some professional dues are paid by CRLA (Bar Fees) and, if qualified, up to $8,000 law school Loan Reimbursement Assistance Program (LRAP). Generous paid leave policy which includes; 15 days of sick leave, 15 holidays each year, and vacation (accrue 15 days for the first year of service and 20 days after one year of service at CRLA). This is a union position (Legal Service Workers for Rural California "LSWRC" ), and the salary ranges from (Staff Attorney: $73,000-$104,000) depending on each year of admission to practice law in any U.S. jurisdiction and any relevant law-related work experience prior to being admitted to practice law.

CRLA requires that all employees are Fully Vaccinated, defined as a CDC-approved COVID vaccination and one booster shot. This offer is contingent on meeting this requirement. The complete vaccination policy, including the process for reasonable allowable accommodations, is available for your review upon request.

California Rural Legal Assistance Inc. thrives on our diversity, and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to building a culturally diverse workplace and strongly encourage women, persons of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, persons with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups to apply.