Job Description

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:

¡ About Us

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.

Job Tags

Full time, Casual work, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Flexible hours, Afternoon shift,

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