Staff Attorney - Restraining Order Clinics

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Established in 1983, San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc. (SDVLP) is the oldest and most comprehensive pro bono legal services program in San Diego County. SDVLP’s mission is to provide equal access to the justice system by serving as a bridge between indigent and other disadvantaged people in San Diego County and the volunteer lawyers who are willing to donate their time and resources. Our team of talented and passionate employees is collegial, supportive, and committed to providing top-quality legal services to indigent, vulnerable San Diegans.

OCCUPATIONAL SUMMARY: 

SDVLP currently operates six restraining order clinics throughout San Diego County and is seeking a part-time Staff Attorney to support these clinics and our restraining order program. This position will provide top-quality legal advice and representation to low-income San Diegans seeking various types of restraining orders including domestic violence, elder abuse, civil harassment, and gun violence.  

The Staff Attorney will also recruit, train, and supervise the work of pro bono attorneys providing representation to SDVLP clients while also performing community outreach and education to the legal community and local social service providers.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

The Staff Attorney will be responsible for:

• Providing coverage and support at various SDVLP locations across San Diego County based on organizational and operational needs;
• Advising clients, including preparing self-represented litigants, for restraining order hearings;
• Drafting restraining orders for self-represented litigants;
• Mentoring, training, and supervising pro bono attorneys drafting requests for restraining orders and representing SDVLP clients in their restraining order hearings;
• Recruiting new pro bono attorney volunteers through community outreach and attendance at networking events;
• Developing and maintaining written training materials for pro bono attorneys;
• Maintaining a small representation caseload in restraining order cases;
• Maintaining knowledge of other legal services programs to provide targeted referrals for issues outside the scope of SDVLP programs;
• Collaborating and coordinating with partner staff;
• Training and supervising non-attorney staff;
• Managing and compiling statistical data and assisting with the drafting of narrative reports to funding sources; and
• Engaging in other tasks and projects as needed to further SDVLP’s mission. 

• Must be a member in good standing of the California Bar;
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Must have excellent mentorship and teaching skills;
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to successfully work as part of a team, and with the public, volunteers, court personnel, government agencies, and partner organizations;
• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with accuracy and minimal direction;
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required by events and deadlines.
• Excellent Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint skills;
• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income and disadvantaged people;
• Ability to travel to SDVLP’s various clinics throughout San Diego County, as necessary; and
• Dependable transportation and a valid driver’s license with proof of insurance is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This is a part-time, onsite position, based in the downtown San Diego Courthouse, requiring approximately a 20-hour work week;
• This position’s work location will vary based on organizational, client, court, and scheduling needs;
• SDVLP’s current clinic locations include National City, downtown San Diego, Kearny Mesa, El Cajon, Vista, and San Marcos; and
• Work hours are Wednesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• The hourly rate is $40/hour;
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance;
• 401K retirement plan with up to a 6% match after 6 months of employment;
• Generous paid leave benefits, including vacation and sick leave;
• Opportunities for professional growth and development; and
• We are an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

SDVLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.