CCLS Staff Attorney - Legal Advice Line

Reports to
Directing Attorney  

FLSA Status

Full-Time, Exempt (Union position)

Application Deadline  

Until Filled 

Salary 

$71,194 to $92,703 per year

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Central California Legal Services (CCLS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was founded in 1966 for the purpose of providing free civil legal services to low-income individuals. CCLS core counties include Fresno, Kings, Mariposa, Merced, Tulare, and Tuolumne. CCLS’s health work also extends to San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Stanislaus counties. In Madera County, CCLS provides limited services to seniors and on health issues. CCLS has offices in Fresno, Merced, and Visalia, and satellite offices in Mendota and Los Banos. With nearly one hundred (100) employees, CCLS’s work includes direct services that meet our clients’ immediate needs, education, and advocacy.

JOB DESCRIPTION

CCLS seeks a staff attorney to join the Legal Advice Line (LAL) intake team. 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. This opportunity would be excellent for an entry level staff attorney to gain general knowledge of several areas of law, in addition to gaining experience with intake processes and accompanying regulations common to non-profit and legal service offices. In-person work is preferred for this role, but CCLS will consider remote work, depending on experience. 

Under the supervision of the LAL Directing Attorney, 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, immigration, senior citizen support, public benefits, health, consumer, basic estate planning, and family security.  

DUTIES

• Responsible for effectively and efficiently answering questions from staff and confirming that legal advice provided by LAL staff is accurate and appropriate;
• Assists in monitoring the LAL call flow and performance, call data reports, and the status of cases sent for follow-up;
• Reviews LAL files for transfer and closing;
• Reviews and revises advocate closing letters to ensure compliance with legal standards and the timely closure of LAL files;
• Conducts initial applicant screening, performs conflict checks, and determines eligibility for services;
• Ensures that LAL is providing appropriate referrals to applicants that are determined to be non-eligible;
• Maintains electronic client case files, conveys legal advice and information consistent with established guidelines;
• Assists the LAL Directing Attorney in research of complex legal issues and writes internal memorandums on their interpretation and provides guidance on those legal issues;
• Participates in organizational projects such as developing and conducting client surveys to improve delivery of client services;
• Participates in weekly LAL meetings for case review and substantive training;z
• Organizes and mails appropriate correspondence and literature to clients, as needed;
• Continuously improves their knowledge and ability to provide efficient, high-quality legal assistance;
• Engages in community outreach as directed and as needed;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Active member in good standing of the State Bar of California; 
• All levels of experience are welcome to apply; 
• Prior legal aid experience and/or a demonstrated commitment to access to justice for underserved communities is preferred; 
• Bilingual ability in Spanish or another language commonly spoken in the CCLS service area is highly preferred;
• Ability to work under pressure and deal with stress while maintaining a professional and appropriate manner with callers and staff; 
• Ability to work quickly but accurately, multi-task, and meet short deadlines;
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively in a team environment; maintain a positive working relationship with team and other staff members;
• Ability to interact with individuals and groups in a professional, courteous, and culturally competent manner.
• Ability to quickly learn, obtain and maintain a detailed understanding of substantive law areas addressed by the Legal Advice Line;
• Ability to obtain and maintain a detailed understanding of, and ensure compliance with, grantor requirements and CCLS policy and practices; 
• 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; applicant must speak clearly and effectively, and be courteous with individuals seeking assistance in person and over the phone;
• Ability to be punctual and reliable in attending work and keeping work commitments;
• Competency/experience with PC systems and standard software (Microsoft Office, Access, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint; ability to gain expertise in the current case file management system and Zoom call center platform; 
• Reliable transportation, a valid CA drivers’ license with appropriate car insurance;
• Commitment to CCLS’ mission and core values.