Small Business Equity & Recovery Attorney
Status: 1.00 FTE Full Time Exempt, temporary through 12/31/24
Reports to: Supervising Attorney
SALARY RANGE: $73,000 - $100,000 annually, depending on years of active Bar experience, plus a generous benefits package.
Legal Aid of Sonoma County (LASC) seeks a temporary full time Staff Attorney (SA) to represent small and micro- business owners who suffered adverse economic impacts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, in collaboration with the Small Business Equity & Recovery Program (“SBER”), a collective of service providers led by the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber.
The services provided shall include advising existing business owners on general business legal issues, and advising individuals who are starting a new business.
Successful candidate will not only represent small business owners, but will also have the opportunity to foster the growth of the SBER, which assists small business owners and micro-businesses/start-ups, with a focus on serving BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) individuals and owned businesses that suffered adverse economic impacts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The current contract with the SBER collective ends on December 31, 2024, at which point the temporary SA position is expected to be eliminated. The anticipated position end date is provided for your information only and is not to be construed as a contract of employment, as LASC is an ‘at will’ employer.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Legal Support for Clients:
Provide high quality legal services to individuals and small business owners who were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and who now seek to either start a new business or need legal advice with their existing business.
Responsible for legal intakes, case assessment, review of contracts, negotiations with commercial landlords or creditors, and general legal advice on small business issues.
Collaborate on behalf of clients with SBER partners including the Sonoma Small Business Development Center, Sonoma County Economic Development Board, Santa Rosa Metro Chamber, and other partner agencies/organizations.
General/Essential Functions:
Provide legal consultations and advice to eligible individuals and small businesses in the following areas:
Entity Formation or Dissolution
Commercial Leases and Unlawful Detainer (evictions)
Contracts and Business Documents
Small business Loans and Loan Modifications
Debtor/Creditor and Some Tax Issues
Provide Counsel and advice in simple HR matters, compliance with regulations, and other small business issues.
Organize and participate in regularly scheduled Outreach Workshops for small business owners in targeted population groups focused on educational/legal issues.
Review business contracts and provide legal advice as appropriate.
Review loan or loan modification documents and provide legal advice as appropriate.
Assist with resolving debtor/creditor and tax issues.
Perform ordinary functions of legal counsel providing representation in an advisory role, including legal research, formulating, and advising on legal strategy for the issue at hand, conducting client interviews, and drafting contracts and other business documents.
Maintain confidentiality of client information as required by California law.
Ensure entry of timely, accurate, and detailed case data into Legal Aid’s case management system and County of Sonoma’s data collection system.
Supervise case worker and/or interns, including onboarding, skills training, daily support and coaching, review and quality assurance of work, regular check-ins, and provision of consistent and effective supervision and oversight.
Attending regularly scheduled partner and staff meetings.
Maintain up-to-date case notes, time reporting, and statistical records on services provided in LASC’s online client database.
Other tasks as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
Juris Doctorate and licensed to practice Law in the State of California, with current active membership in the CA Bar.
Demonstrated ability to work with all persons regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, economic background, immigration status, gender identification, or sexual orientation.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a diverse team.
Working knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office, legal forms software, and database programs.
Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively with great attention to detail, including timely case management and a commitment to accurate and on time data and time keeping reporting.
This position is not remote. Applicants must be within commuting distance of the LASC office in Santa Rosa, CA.
All applicants must abide by LASC’s current COVID related and security protocols.
Must pass a background check.
Valid California driver’s license and proof of auto insurance.
Skills/Experience Desired:
Minimum one (1) year of experience practicing law.
Small Business background and/or experience a plus.
Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
BENEFITS: Legal Aid of Sonoma County provides a dynamic and supportive work environment, and an excellent benefit package after the completion of an initial 90-day introductory period. Benefits include eligibility for company paid health insurance for the employee or cash-in-lieu, company paid dental insurance, and very generous paid vacation/sick/holiday leave policies. Note the benefits package is for the employee only, LASC does not provide health or dental coverage for spouses or dependents.
Note that all employment at LASC is “at will” and the completion of an introductory period, and/or the acceptance of a temporary position with an anticipated end date, does not create an employment contract.
TO APPLY: Please submit a Cover Letter and Resume in response to this post. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Note the posted salary range is firm and DOE.
Legal Aid of Sonoma County is an equal opportunity employer.
