Supervising Staff Attorney wanted to join a legal aid foundation that has been representing and advocating for low-income individuals and who’s mission is to provide high quality, no-cost civil legal services to low income individuals, families, and communities. The primary focus of this organization is improving the wellbeing of the community through systems-changing advocacy, client education, and legal work that meets individual clients’ immediate needs. The Supervising Staff Attorney and foundation also works closely with agencies and community organizations that share their commitment to support their clients in being their own agents of change.
The Legal Advice Line (LAL) allows individuals and groups in Central California to apply for and, if determined eligible, to receive legal advice regarding a wide range of legal issues over the telephone. Under the supervision of the LAL Team Leader, the staff attorney will work with the team to efficiently deliver high-quality legal information, advice, and referrals for civil legal issues in the areas of housing, public benefits, health, consumer, education, basic estate planning, and family security.
Specific Attorney responsibilities include:
- Monitors LAL call flow and performance via call monitoring, call data reports, and in-person observations
- Reviews legal advice line files for transfer and closing, and monitors status of cases for follow up
- Reviews and revises advocate closing letters to ensure the time closure of LAL files
- Responsible for effectively and efficiently answers questions from staff and confirms that legal advice provided by LAL staff is accurate and appropriate
- Conducts initial applicant screening, performs conflict checks, and determines eligibility for services
- Provides appropriate referrals to applicants that are determined to be non-eligible, conducts telephone interviews with callers determined to be eligible and enters sensitive client demographic information into computer database system
- Maintains electronic client case files, conveys legal advice and information consistent with established guidelines
- Assists the Legal Advice Line Supervising Attorney/Team Leader in research of complex legal issues and writes internal memorandums on their interpretation and provides guidance on those legal issues
- Assembles and mails appropriate correspondence and literature to clients as needed.
- Participates in organizational projects such as developing and conducting client surveys to improve delivery of client services
- Participates in weekly Legal Advice Line meetings for case review and substantive training
Qualified Supervising Staff Attorney should have
- Significant experience in civil legal matters highly preferred (At least 2+ years)
- Bilingual highly preferred (Spanish/English, Hmong/English).
- Reliable transportation, a valid CA drivers’ license with appropriate car insurance.
- Member in good standing of the State Bar of California or admission within twelve
- months of hire; or eligible to practice under the Registered Legal Services Attorney Program.
- Ability to work both independently and cooperatively in a team environment; maintain positive working relationship with team and other staff members; and provide and receive assistance from team and other staff members
- Ability to speak on the phone and take consecutive calls for up to two hours at a time without a break multiple times per day
- Ability to work under pressure and deal with stress while maintaining a professional and appropriate manner with callers and staff
- Continuously improves their knowledge and ability to provide efficient, high quality legal assistance
- Ability to fluently and effectively speak, understand and courteously speak with
- individuals seeking assistance in person and over the phone.
- Capable of effectively and courteously speaking with individuals from the client community who communicate using other languages or methods (with the use of an interpreter as needed).
- Competency/experience with PC systems and standard software (Microsoft Office,
- Access, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, other relevant databases).
- Ability to interact with individuals and groups in a professional, courteous, and culturally competent manner.
- Ability to engage in outreach activities in the community, as needed.
- Ability to obtain and maintain detailed understanding and ensure compliance with
- grantor requirements and organization policy and practices.
- Ability to obtain and maintain detailed understanding of substantive law areas addressed by the Legal Advice Line.
