Description
Lead innovative access-to-justice programs that expand legal resources, strengthen community impact, and improve outcomes for underserved populations. Apply today!
The Directing Attorney for Access to Justice oversees non-case handling Legal Services Department units including our Self-Help Legal Access Center (SHLAC), Eviction Diversion Pilot Program (EDPP) at the Los Angeles Superior Court in Compton, our Small Claims Advisory Board unit in Orange County, and our forthcoming JustOC Coordinated Entry System initiative. The Directing Attorney partners closely with the other Directing Attorneys to ensure programs align with organizational standards, compliance requirements, and community needs. While collaboration and input are expected, this role serves as the primary owner and ultimate decision-maker for access-to-justice programs and special projects. This is a full-time exempt position and reports to the Director of Legal Services.
Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight of non-case handling access-to-justice programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, community needs, and compliance requirements.
- Supervise, mentor, and support supervising attorneys and program staff through coaching, performance management, and professional development.
- Collaborate with program leaders on strategic planning, goal setting, service delivery improvements, and community partnerships.
- Serve as a key liaison with courts, community organizations, bar associations, government agencies, and organizational leadership.
- Partner with legal leadership to align programs, policies, and services with organizational priorities and strategic objectives.
- Collaborate with Finance, Human Resources, Operations, Compliance, and Fund Development to support effective program management, compliance, and funding requirements.
- Monitor legal trends, emerging community needs, and program performance to inform service enhancements and growth opportunities.
- Support grant development, reporting, pro bono initiatives, and other cross-functional projects that advance access to justice.
- Represent the organization with funders, community partners, courts, bar associations, and regulatory agencies.
- Build and maintain strong relationships that strengthen partnerships, program visibility, and community impact.
- Participate in strategic initiatives that advance equitable access to justice and high-quality legal services.
- Advocate for innovative, community-centered approaches that improve access to legal resources and support underserved populations.
- Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.
Requirements
Education:
- Juris Doctor and active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of 8 years of experience as an attorney.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience managing, supervising, and mentoring.
- 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.
- General legal knowledge of State and Federal trial and appellate work - Preferred.
- Previous legal aid or other non-profit organization experience – Preferred.
- Project management or program development experience – Strongly Preferred.
- Superior understanding of legal principles and their application, the rules of evidence, the conduct of court proceedings, civil and related codes of California, and legal research skills.
- Competent legal knowledge in all the practice areas for which they will be responsible for direct supervision of the Supervising Attorney and unit advocates.
- Ability to work effectively with colleagues, Bar Associations, community partners, governmental bodies, and the Courts.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
- Knowledge of effective training techniques for legal advocates.
- Experience in providing Trauma-Responsive/Informed services.
- Ability to implement organizational and grant policies and compliance guidelines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Clio, and other software programs.
- Ability to model CLA SoCal’s values & mission.
- Work with a multi-cultural perspective.
Holistic Benefits:
- May work as little as 35-hour workweek.
- A 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.
Skills Required
- Juris Doctor degree
- Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California
- Minimum 8 years of experience as an attorney
- Minimum 3 years of experience managing, supervising, and mentoring
- Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy, or other ability to travel frequently within the service area
- Superior understanding of legal principles, rules of evidence, court proceedings, California civil and related codes, and legal research
- Competent legal knowledge in practice areas overseen by the role
- Ability to work effectively with colleagues, bar associations, community partners, governmental bodies, and courts
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment
- Knowledge of effective training techniques for legal advocates
- Experience providing trauma-responsive or trauma-informed services
- Ability to implement organizational and grant policies and compliance guidelines
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Clio, and other software programs
- Ability to model the organization’s values and mission
- Ability to work with a multicultural perspective
- General legal knowledge of state and federal trial and appellate work
- Previous legal aid or nonprofit organization experience
- Project management or program development experience
What We Do
Community Legal Aid SoCal is a legal non-profit dedicated to providing free civil legal services to low-income families, individuals, and senior citizens in Orange and southeast Los Angeles Counties. Its mission is to promote equal access to the justice system through advocacy, legal counseling, and holistic representation, fighting injustice to advocate for social, economic, and racial equity.
