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Legal Aid Society Of San Bernardino

Attorney - Domestic Violence Project (Hybrid)

Legal Aid Society Of San Bernardino, Topeka, Kansas, United States

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Attorney - Domestic Violence Project Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino

San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, California

Full-Time, Exempt Position

Hybrid Work Arrangement (Court Representation Required)

Salary Range: $75,000 - $95,000 annually, commensurate with experience

Position Summary The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino seeks an attorney to join our Domestic Violence Project team, providing legal representation to survivors of domestic violence. This position involves evaluating cases, providing legal advice, preparing legal documents with paralegal support, and representing clients at court hearings for restraining orders and related family law matters throughout San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.

You will work as part of a collaborative team with experienced paralegals who assist with case management and document preparation. The position offers a manageable caseload with appropriate support systems, hybrid work flexibility, and a collegial environment focused on quality representation and staff well-being.

Team Support and Structure The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino (LASSB) provides free civil legal services to low-income residents across San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. With a dedicated team of fewer than 45 staff members and volunteer attorneys, we serve over 8,000 households annually—impacting more than 20,000 individuals each year. Our Domestic Violence Project operates with a team-based approach that emphasizes quality representation and staff support.

Essential Functions Case Evaluation and Client Counseling

Review and evaluate potential cases to determine program eligibility and appropriate services

Conduct client consultations to assess legal needs and provide advice on legal options

Provide legal advice regarding restraining orders, family law matters, and related civil legal issues

Develop case strategies in collaboration with paralegals and support staff

Explain legal processes and options to clients in clear, accessible language

Conduct legal research as needed to support case work

Court Representation

Represent clients in court proceedings for Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs) and related matters

Appear at court hearings, including request for order hearings and contested proceedings

Present evidence, examine witnesses, and make legal arguments as needed

Handle family law matters related to domestic violence including custody, visitation, and support issues

Prepare clients for court appearances and provide ongoing support throughout proceedings

Participate in mediations and settlement conferences when appropriate

Document Preparation and Review

Prepare petitions for restraining orders and related legal documents

Draft pleadings, motions, declarations, and proposed orders

Review documents prepared by paralegals for legal accuracy and completeness

Review and analyze opposing party's filings

Ensure all documents comply with California law and court procedures

Collaboration with Paralegals and Support Staff

Work closely with paralegals who handle case intake, document preparation, and client communication

Provide legal guidance and direction to paralegals on case issues

Coordinate with domestic violence advocates and social workers for comprehensive client services

Participate in team meetings and case consultations

Collaborate with community partners and service providers as needed

Case Management and Professional Development

Maintain case files in compliance with organizational policies and grant requirements

Document services provided in case management system

Meet reasonable case handling standards established by the organization

Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and continuing legal education

Contribute to community outreach and education activities as appropriate

Stay current on developments in domestic violence law and family law

Minimum Qualifications Required

Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California

Minimum two years of legal experience; attorneys with one year of experience and substantial domestic violence or family law experience may be considered

Litigation experience including court appearances

Strong legal research and writing skills

Effective oral communication and advocacy skills

Ability to work collaboratively with paralegals and support staff

Experience with or willingness to learn trauma-informed practices

Strong organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and legal research platforms (Westlaw, LexisNexis)

Commitment to serving low-income populations

Valid California driver's license and reliable transportation for court appearances throughout San Bernardino and Riverside Counties

Ability to successfully complete background check required by funding sources

Preferred

Experience representing domestic violence survivors or handling restraining order cases

Family law litigation experience

Prior work in legal aid, domestic violence programs, or public interest law

Training in domestic violence dynamics or trauma-informed advocacy

Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish

Knowledge of immigration relief for victims of violence (VAWA, U-Visa, T-Visa)

Familiarity with California Judicial Council forms and family law procedures

Understanding of community resources for domestic violence survivors

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of California domestic violence law and family law

Commitment to protecting the rights of domestic violence survivors

Ability to work with clients experiencing difficult circumstances with empathy and professionalism

Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse populations

Sound professional judgment and decision-making skills

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Commitment to maintaining work-life balance and professional wellness

Flexibility and adaptability

Position Characteristics Court Appearances This position requires regular court appearances throughout San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. The frequency of court appearances varies based on case scheduling, typically ranging from a few times per week to daily during busy periods. Hybrid work arrangements provide flexibility for remote work when not required in court or at client meetings.

Caseload Management Cases are evaluated and accepted based on program priorities and attorney capacity. The organization maintains reasonable caseload standards and provides paralegal support to ensure quality representation without overwhelming individual attorneys.

Team Environment This position is part of a collaborative team that includes paralegals, advocates, and other attorneys. Regular team meetings and case consultations provide opportunities for support, guidance, and professional development.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Hybrid work arrangement with combination of in-office, remote, and court-based work

Regular travel to courthouses throughout San Bernardino and Riverside Counties

Attendance at court hearings and client meetings as scheduled

Primarily sedentary work involving computer use when not in court

Occasional evening or weekend work for special events or emergencies

Ability to navigate courthouse facilities

Ability to lift and carry files and materials up to 20 pounds

Professional office environment when working on-site

Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Compensation and Benefits Salary: $75,000 - $95,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications

Employer-Paid Benefits (100% Coverage)

Medical insurance (employee coverage fully paid by employer)

Life insurance

Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

Additional Benefits Available

Dental insurance (employee-paid, employer-facilitated)

Vision insurance (employee-paid, employer-facilitated)

Professional Development and Support

State Bar of California dues reimbursement

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) platform training with MCLE credits available

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling and wellness support

Professional liability insurance coverage

Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel

Work-Life Balance and Career Benefits

Flexible hybrid work arrangements (when not attending court or client meetings)

Supportive, collaborative work environment with emphasis on staff wellness

Reasonable caseload standards

Paralegal support for case management and document preparation

Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program based on eligibility requirements

Equal Opportunity Employer The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and members of other historically underrepresented communities. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to serve our clients and community effectively.

Fair Chance Hiring:

In accordance with the California Fair Chance Act and applicable local ordinances, LASSB will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

Reasonable Accommodations:

LASSB provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). If you require accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact [HR Contact Information]. All accommodation requests will be handled confidentially.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed in this position and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. LASSB reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time in accordance with organizational needs.

The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

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