Author: MCWL2013

DEPENDENCY LEGAL SERVICES’ JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FOR STAFF ATTORNEY: 

Dependency Legal Services is a non-profit, interdisciplinary law firm dedicated to serving children and parents in child abuse and neglect cases. Our attorneys are court appointed to serve clients in Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Placer, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus and Yolo county dependency proceedings.  Dependency Legal Services is a dynamic law firm, with opportunities for growth, which values quality representation as well as quality of personal life.  (info@dependencyls.com). 

JOB DESCRIPTION

DLS seeks a full-time dependency attorney.  The attorney will represent children and/or parents in all phases of juvenile dependency proceedings pursuant to Welfare & Institutions Code § 300.  These cases involve allegations by Child Protective Services of child neglect or abuse.  Cases typically involve addressing issues such as substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental health in an effort to maintain or reunify families.  This is a high volume, fast-paced position which entails significant client contact, investigation, negotiation, legal research, drafting of motions, appellate work, participation in alternative dispute resolution meetings and frequent court appearances, including law and motion and trial work.  Extensive training includes California dependency law, client communication, and courtroom skills.  New attorneys are paired with an experienced mentor attorney in order to support professional development.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENT AND EXPERIENCE  

Applicants must be active Members in good standing of the State Bar of California or awaiting admission.  We welcome recently admitted attorneys as well as those with many years of experience.  This position calls for individuals with a strong desire to positively impact the lives of clients in crisis, including low-income parents and children from diverse backgrounds.  Strong written and verbal skills are critical as well as professionalism and interpersonal skills.  Spanish speakers are strongly encouraged to apply.  Successful candidates must enjoy multi-tasking, working collaboratively within a team-environment, while also providing strong advocacy.  We seek individuals who are able to work independently and are self-motivated.  A valid driver’s license or other transportation to attend hearing, home visits and out of office meetings is necessary.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Our attorneys are in court almost daily for law and motion matters or trials.  They are responsible for every facet of client representation including interviewing clients, explaining the law and standards of proof, and investigation of factual issues.  The work entails numerous collaborative meetings to resolve cases and remove barriers to successful outcomes.  Attorneys perform legal research, file motions, and prepare written briefs.  The work also entails trial preparation and conducting of bench trials.  Attorneys must have strong organizational skills in order to maintain a high case load in this fast paced area of law. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary is commensurate with experience, ranging between $59,000 and $85,000.  We offer a competitive benefits package which includes health, dental, and vision coverage as well as a matching 401k plan.