Staff Attorney

San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc. is actively recruiting for a full-time Staff Attorney for our San Diego county-wide domestic restraining order program. This position will provide top-quality legal advice and representation to low-income San Diegans seeking domestic violence restraining orders.  The Staff Attorney will also recruit, train and supervise the work of pro bono attorneys providing representation to SDVLP clients and perform community outreach and education to the legal community and local social service providers.

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 staff is collegial, supportive, and committed to providing top-quality legal services to indigent, vulnerable San Diegans. 

Essential Job Duties

• Advising clients, including preparing self-represented litigants for domestic violence restraining order hearings.
• Mentoring, training, and supervising pro bono attorneys drafting requests for domestic violence 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 domestic violence restraining order cases.
• Maintaining knowledge of other legal services programs to provide targeted referrals for issues outside the scope of SDVLP programs.
• Training and supervising non-attorney staff. 
• Managing and compiling statistical data and assisting with the drafting of narrative reports to funding sources.
• Engaging in other tasks and projects as needed to further SDVLP’s mission. 

Work Environment

• This position is based in downtown San Diego and supports our county-wide restraining order program but will move between our clinic locations in downtown San Diego, east county, south bay and north county.
• Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Ability to travel to different locations in the county, attend court hearings and visit SDVLP’s office in downtown San Diego, as necessary.
• Laptop and cell phone will be provided by SDVLP.
• Must have your own vehicle. Mileage will be reimbursed by SDVLP for travel outside of downtown San Diego.

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Salary & Benefits

• The salary range is $75,000 – $80,000 DOE.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance –SDVLP covers 100% of the premium for employee insurance – eligibility for health care coverage is the 1^st of the month after 30 days of employment.
• 401K retirement plan with generous match, after 6 months of employment.
• Generous paid time off including 15 days paid annual leave, 10 days paid sick leave, 16 paid holidays and more.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• SDVLP pays annual State Bar fees and 1 professional membership.
• Opportunities to train and mentor volunteer attorneys.
• SDVLP is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
• 37.50 – 40-hour work week and no billable hours requirement.

• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income and disadvantaged people.
• Must be a member in good standing of the California Bar.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication 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 MS Office knowledge.

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.