Staff Attorney

Description

Our client is hiring for a full-time Staff Attorney.   They are the leading professional association for marriage and family therapists in California, advancing the profession and supporting thousands of mental health professionals statewide. They offer a rare combination of meaningful, mission-driven work and exceptional work-life balance. They are a collaborative, supportive team dedicated to making a difference. Our client's staff enjoy a culture of trust, respect, and connection, where contributions are valued, and employees are empowered to do their best work.  

The Staff Attorney will provide the membership with up-to-date legal and ethical information through answering daily member calls, writing articles, and presenting workshops. This role will also conduct legal research and complete ad hoc assignments, as assigned. In addition, the individual in this role will be expected to communicate with internal staff and external partners, including committee members, Board members, chapters, schools, agencies, professional associations, regulatory agencies, legislative representatives, and other professional or organizational contacts, as applicable, and will report to the Managing Director of Legal Affairs.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Answer member phone calls about legal and ethical issues pertaining to the day-to-day practice of mental health professionals. Provide information about statutes, regulations, and ethical codes relevant to members’ legal and ethical questions. Typically handle 30+ calls a day while completing assignments given by the Managing Director of Legal Affairs;
• Create and present legal and ethical workshops (ranging from 2-6 hours) for the organization's online library and Chapters throughout California.
• Write legal and ethical articles for The Therapist related to the profession.
• Conduct legal research and analyze laws, regulations, and ethical standards affecting the profession.
• Represent the organization in meetings with stakeholders at the state and federal levels.
• Research and draft advocacy letters to insurance companies, regulators, legislators, etc., as assigned.
• Support advocacy efforts, as assigned.
• Support Committees, as assigned.
• Attend all staff meetings and collaborate with staff across the organization. 
• Complete ad hoc projects and other duties, as assigned.
• Satisfactory attendance.

Supervisory Responsibility

• N/A

Work Environment/Physical Demands

This role operates in a modern, newly appointed office environment with quiet cube settings. The workspace is configured as hoteling office space, with technology equipment available on-site. Staff presence is rotational; typically, 3–5 employees are in the office at any given time.

This position operates under a hybrid work arrangement and requires in-person attendance at organizational meetings, department meetings, and organizational activities. Approximately 15% travel throughout California is required for workshops and other organizational activities. 

The physical demands for this role include:

• Frequently sitting
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, pull, up to 30 lbs.

Benefits

We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including:

• Medical insurance
• Dental and vision coverage
• Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Aflac supplemental insurance options
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Monthly phone and internet stipend – would provide laptop
• Staff appreciation perks, including food provided at monthly staff meetings
• Organization-sponsored benefits are available to employees in regular, full-time, permanent positions unless otherwise specified

Requirements

  Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school;
• Minimum of 0-5 years of legal experience;
• Licensed attorney in good standing with the California State Bar;
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical abilities;
• Ability to interpret and apply professional licensing laws and regulations;
• Strong presentation skills;
• Strong ethical standards and commitment to confidentiality and professional responsibility;
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion;
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills;
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form;
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills;
• Positive demeanor and ability to communicate in a confident, professional, friendly, and patient manner with members, staff, and professional contacts;
• Self-motivated, collaborative, punctual, and reliable. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in healthcare law, mental health law, or related regulatory compliance;
• Familiarity with laws and regulations impacting mental health practice, including confidentiality, licensing, malpractice, and professional ethics;
• Knowledge of healthcare and mental health privacy laws such as HIPAA and state confidentiality regulations.