Domestic Violence Staff Attorney

Description

Program Description:

Founded in 1967, California Indian Legal Services (CILS) is the oldest public interest Indian rights law firm in the country, promoting the fundamental rights of California Tribes and Indians through litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy, community development, and other strategies for systemic change. CILS provides a full range of legal representation to California Indian Tribes and Indian organizations, advocates for the rights of California Indians at the local, state, and national levels, and provides direct services and community education to low-income Native American individuals on issues related to Federal Indian Law and Tribal law. Currently, CILS offers services statewide and maintains four offices throughout California – Eastern (Bishop), Southern (Escondido), Northern (McKinleyville), and Central (Sacramento). This position is part of the CILS’s Statewide Domestic Violence Program but will be based in the Northern office location in McKinleyville, CA.

Job Description:

The Domestic Violence (DV) Staff Attorney will work collaboratively with the DV Advocate to provide exceptional legal services in domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and sex trafficking cases. This position includes general office and case management work and travel to meet in person with clients. The DV Staff Attorney is a full-time exempt position and serves clients throughout the Northern Office service area.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Culturally sensitive legal representation and assistance to Native American and non-Native American survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in state court and where appropriate Tribal Court.
• Legal representation shall include a focus on Domestic Violence restraining order proceedings, but may include other matters, including but not limited to: child custody, divorce, civil harassment proceedings, evictions, and other legal matters needed by the Domestic Violence victim.
• Work closely with the CILS DV Advocate on intake procedures, document collection, safety planning, and other case related activities.
• Travel to meet with clients in person in the field office service area for interviews and court appearances.
• Work with Tribal and non-Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault organizations on developing partnerships for sharing resources and referrals to meet client needs.
• Conduct walk-in clinics.
• Work with state, local and tribal law enforcement on securing effective enforcement of Tribal Court Domestic Violence Orders when issued.
• Attend Domestic Violence Advocate training and related conferences to stay current on new issues and developments in the area of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in Indian Country.
• Manage and maintain a client caseload in a well-organized, professional, and responsible manner.
• Carry out other duties as assigned.

Office Specific Duties and Expectations:

• The DV Staff Attorney is based in the Northern Office (McKinleyville) but directly reports to the DV Directing Attorney who oversees the CILS statewide Domestic Violence Program. The DV Directing Attorney is based in the Southern Office (Escondido). 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• J.D. from an accredited law school and current California bar membership in good standing 
• Experience working with and on behalf of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors is necessary.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and culturally aware legal services.
• Ability to build relationships with community partners and at times, with client consent, to work collaboratively to achieve desired outcomes for clients.
• Demonstrated knowledge of California Family Law with at least 1-3 years of experience practicing law.
• Excellent communication, writing and organizational skills.
• Strong work ethic.
• Ability to travel overnight and possess a valid driver’s license.
• A commitment to providing high-quality legal services for Native Americans and others.
• Ability to work independently, as part of a team and to take initiative.
• Proficient in office computer software applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity or experience working with Native Americans, tribes, and communities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Federal Indian law.
• Experience working under and reporting for grants.
• Candidate residing in or willing to relocate to the Northern Office service area.

Location: This position is in-person in the Northern Office (McKinleyville, CA) Monday through Friday with optional teleworking on Mondays and Fridays.

Wage: Competitive salary: $77,435 - $90,000. 

CILS creates job position wage and salary ranges using data from California non-profit legal services annual data sources; employees are placed within a range depending on degrees, certifications, experience, qualifications, and other factors.

Benefits: 

CILS provides an extensive benefits package, including:

• Multiple high-quality and low-cost medical plans including medical, dental and vision.
• 100% coverage for the employee and 90% for dependent premiums.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible medical/dental, dependent care, and public transportation expenses.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match – up to 5% of your annual salary.
• 18 paid holidays annually (includes office closure from December 24-January 1).
• Vacation time off, starting at 13 days accrued per year.
• Sick leave is set at 12 days per year.
• Paid leave for jury duty/witness services, Election Day, bereavement.
• Professional development and learning opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) for full-time attorney positions with eligible loans. 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Certified Employer.
• Life insurance of 2x your annual salary.
• Supplemental insurance, including additional life and disability coverage available to purchase.
• California State Bar annual dues are paid for all attorneys.

How to Apply: Submit a resume, cover letter, three professional references, and a writing sample. We will accept applications until the position is filled, but CILS does not accept incomplete applications.

CILS is committed to the principles of equal employment and fostering an inclusive workplace. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, CILS provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.