Public Benefits Supervising Attorney (Hybrid)

Bring your expertise to a leadership role where mentorship, strategy, and impact intersect to assist your community! 

The Supervising Attorney for the Public Benefits Unit is responsible for supervising CLA SoCal’s public benefits and unemployment insurance benefits practice. This full-time, hybrid, exempt position reports to the Directing Attorney for Client Services. 

  Responsibilities

• Direct advocacy and negotiation with California State and Federal governmental and administrative bodies regarding client eligibility for, or termination of, public benefits and unemployment insurance benefits.
• Handle administrative appeals and State and Federal court appeals, including when administrative remedies have been exhausted, related to denials or terminations of benefits.
• Supervise staff and volunteers in the implementation of clinics, workshops, and related service delivery.
• Monitor changes in public benefits and unemployment insurance law and participate in legal advocacy groups and public comment processes.
• Collaborate with the Systemic Impact Unit, Pro Bono team, community partners, and government agencies to address systemic issues impacting the communities served.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on public benefits and unemployment insurance, providing guidance and oversight to staff attorneys, paralegals, law students, pro bono attorneys, and volunteers.
• Supervise and mentor legal staff, including co-counseling, case reviews, training, professional development, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Maintain a limited personal caseload while ensuring accurate case notes, timekeeping, and compliance with organizational and grant requirements.
• Set unit priorities, implement strategies, manage administrative operations, and coordinate grant deliverables to meet program goals.
• Lead and support outreach, trainings, recruitment, and policy advocacy initiatives in collaboration with CLA SoCal teams and community partners.
• Conduct regular case reviews and audits to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with organizational policies and legal standards 
• Prepare reports on performance, trends, and service gaps for leadership review. 
• Track productivity and outcomes to ensure performance aligns with program goals and service delivery expectations. 
• Work with a multicultural perspective.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.  

Education:

• Juris Doctor and active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as an attorney in the related field or other areas of law relevant to unit practice. 
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy or other ability to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners - Required.
• Bilingual proficiency - Preferred.
• Experience representing clients before State and Federal administrative agencies and in administrative appeals.
• Experience with State and Federal court litigation, including appellate advocacy and writ practice.
• Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring, and managing legal staff.
• Strong knowledge of California and Federal public benefits and unemployment insurance programs.
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Proactive, solution-oriented approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Trauma-informed, empathetic, and client-centered practice mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Legal Server, and legal research/form preparation tools.
• Commitment to CLA SoCal's mission and values - Required. 
• Familiarity with Legal Services Corporation (LSC) rules and regulations – Preferred

Holistic Benefits:

• 35-hour workweek - the work dictates the work schedule; some positions may work weekends or evenings.
• Hybrid Schedule
• 16 paid holidays + PTO (including wellness days) starting Day 1
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Student loan reimbursement program
• Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff

About CLA SoCal:

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a welcoming and hopeful non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We provide equal employment opportunities. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities. All individuals who are seeking a welcoming environment who celebrate and value the unique characteristics of every member of the team who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.