Domestic Violence Staff Attorney - Temporary

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

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. Currently, CILS offers services statewide and maintains four offices throughout California – Eastern (Bishop), Southern (Escondido), Northern (McKinleyville), and Central (Sacramento). This position is in the Southern Office, located in Escondido, CA. For additional information about CILS, go to our website at www.calindian.org. 

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Special Projects 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 Special Projects DV Staff Attorney is a full-time exempt position and serves clients in the Riverside and San Bernardino Counties of California. This position requires a candidate residing in Southern California with a preference for candidates who are based near the Riverside and San Bernardino metro areas. The position will require travel throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties for court appearances, client meetings, and outreach.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Culturally sensitive and trauma-informed 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 but not be limited to: Domestic Violence protection proceedings, child custody, divorce, civil harassment proceedings, and other legal matters needed by the Domestic Violence victim. 
• Manage an independent caseload while receiving support and collaboration from the DV Directing Attorney. 
• 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 Riverside and San Bernardino counties for interviews and court appearances. 
• Work with Strong Hearted Native Women’s Coalition, The Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, and other 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 and professional responsible manner. 
• Carry out other duties as assigned. 

SALARY:

Salary range is $77,435–$90,000 annualized full-time salary range. This 6-month temporary position will be compensated on a prorated basis, approximately $38,718–$45,000 for the 6-month term. 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. 

TEMPORARY STATUS:

This position is intended to provide temporary coverage for organizational staffing needs and is anticipated to last approximately six months. The assignment may be extended, shortened, or concluded based on organizational needs, funding, and staffing requirements. This temporary assignment does not guarantee continued employment or conversion to a permanent position. 

BENEFITS:

Sick leave only  

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have

•  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.
• J.D. from an accredited law school and current California bar membership in good standing.
• 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.

Desired

• 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 Riverside or San Bernardino metro areas.

LOCATION:

This position is based out of the Southern Office in Escondido, CA, from Monday through Friday but may be remote for CA residents living in Riverside or San Bernardino Metro Area. Frequent travel to meet with clients and attend court, and occasional travel to the Southern Office will be required. 

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. In your cover letter, please address your suitability for frequent, recurring court appearances and other in-person duties in the Riverside/San Bernardino metro areas.