OVERVIEW:
The Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County has an immediate opening for a full-time Family Violence Prevention program attorney who will assist survivors of intimate partner violence/domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, elder abuse, and human trafficking in obtaining restraining orders and with other related legal matters. The attorney may also assist with related immigration remedies for crime victims and consumer protection matters arising from abuse. The attorney will also provide legal education and outreach to the community on intimate partner violence, stalking, and other related issues. The position is funded in part through a grant provided by the US Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women. The program team includes 1 attorney based in Santa Barbara to serve south County clients. Depending on the level of experience of the applicant attorney, additional management or leadership opportunities may be considered. The attorney will join two other attorneys (who practice other areas of law), an Intake Coordinator, and Legal Assistant who serve and support the Santa Maria office.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provides legal representation to survivors of intimate partner violence/domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, elder abuse, and human trafficking with obtaining restraining orders, child custody and visitation orders and related legal matters such as dissolution of marriage, establishing paternity, immigration remedies, child custody, and child and spousal support. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following range of duties: conducting client interviews, advice and counsel, litigating cases originating as intimate partner violence/domestic violence matters; making court appearances, representing clients in trials, updating and inputting information into case management system; education and outreach efforts directed at community members, advocates and service providers; program grant reporting and monitoring, attending regional taskforce meetings; and other duties as assigned.
LOCATION: This position is based in Santa Maria and will require travel to Lompoc as needed to meet with clients and for any court appearances. Hybrid work schedule with a combination of remote work and in-office work (expected to be 1-2 days per week). The schedule for remote work which is subject to change in light of organizational needs. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required as a condition of employment before date of hire. Reasonable accommodations will be considered.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Licensed to practice law in the State of California and in good standing (provisional ok);
- At least two years of legal experience as a licensed attorney;
- Excellent oral and written advocacy, legal analysis, and legal research skills.
- Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with those who may have educational, language, or other barriers to understanding;
- Ability to meet deadlines and perform multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail;
- Articulate, creative, and passionate advocate with excellent written and oral communication skills, and problem-solving skills;
- Strong technical skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), videoconferencing software, etc.;
- Understanding of the nature and dynamics of domestic violence;
- Licensed to drive in California or otherwise has a reliable means of transportation to travel to Lompoc, meetings, and outreach events.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working on behalf of survivors of intimate partner violence/domestic, violence, sexual assault, stalking, elder abuse or human trafficking;
- Experience in family law and/or immigration law;
- Experience working with low-income communities;
- Language: Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred but not required;
- Experience working with a civil legal aid organization or non-profit organization.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary range of $75,000 to $98,406 depending on experience. Generous personal leave and benefits package, including paid vacation, sick leave, all court holidays, health/dental/vision insurance (100% of premiums covered for employee), life insurance with Employee Assistance Program, and option to participate in 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution to a SEP-IRA after one year. Employer covers State Bar fees and one local bar association membership.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applications will be accepted immediately and on a rolling basis until the position is filled but priority consideration will be given to those who apply by March 29, 2024. Please submit a 1) resume and 2) a list of references to Jennifer Smith, Executive Director, at personnel@lafsbc.org. Please include job title in subject line of email.
ABOUT US: The Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County is a non-profit law firm that provides free legal assistance to Santa Barbara County residents. Our mission is to provide high-quality civil legal services to low-income and other vulnerable residents in order to ensure equal access to justice. We change lives through direct representation, legal advice and information, and community education. Our vision is a community where low-income people and other vulnerable residents are empowered to thrive and where all residents have meaningful access to the civil justice system. Our office are located in Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Santa Barbara.
The Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, religion, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, marital or registered domestic partners status, or any other legally protected status. We strongly encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.
The Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County is an equal opportunity employer.
