ATTORNEY

ATTORNEY – Children's Law Center of California

Reports to:

Supervising Attorney

Contract position from January 2026 through July 2026.

Salary: $88,510−$108,854 annually (based on experience and qualifications).

Our CLC Attorney will have a deeply demonstrated commitment to the legal representation of clients in dependency proceedings in and out of court.

• Assess the critical issues of each assigned case and advocate for each client by:
• Maintain professional effective working relationships with bench officers, courtroom personnel, social workers, attorneys, CASAs & service providers.
• Independently investigate & appropriately direct social work investigators to obtain facts needed to properly assess each case.
• Effectively apply dependency case law, statutes & court rules; use effective trial & courtroom presentation skills.
• Use sound case analysis & judgement; effectively negotiate with other counsel.
• Prepare witnesses & apply evidentiary rules & objections.
• Prepare clear, concise and persuasive motions, pleadings, briefs and memorandums of law, as well as correspondence & reports as needed by thoroughly researching applicable law. Submit documents in a timely manner.
• Engage available resources to properly represent & advocate for our client’s best interest, including but not limited to:
• Educational resources
• Medical providers & mental health professionals
• Regional center resources
• Community-based services providers
• Other legal experts or consultants, such as Legal Aid, Public Counsel, Alliance for Children’s Rights, etc.
• Public Defenders in Delinquency Court and Department 95
• Demonstrate sensitivity & awareness of cultural differences to effectively communicate & advocate for clients from diverse backgrounds. Develop professional relationships with and provide sound advice to clients using frequent age-appropriate interviews that adhere to ethical standards. Follow up on client requests & court orders to ensure that clients receive services in a timely manner.
• Treat clients’ caregivers and family members respectfully.
• Continuous learning: stay informed and adapt evolving social dynamics to better engage and support clients from all backgrounds.

• Maintain professional relationships with all CLC coworkers through:
• Collaboration with attorneys, supervisors, and CLC leadership
• Demonstrating respect for support staff
• Expressing flexibility and willingness to assist with coverage in other courtrooms
• Mentorship and being a role model for less experienced attorneys
• Ability to seek assistance from supervisors when prudent or required
• Effectively manage multiple caseloads by:
• Opening & closing files in a timely manner, and meeting deadlines
• Completing all appropriate office reports in a timely manner, including timesheets, case counts and conflict reports
• Maintaining files in an orderly manner according to office policy
• Properly documenting court proceedings, contacts, and case developments
• Maintaining an accurate calendar of upcoming hearings for each case
• Can prioritize & allocate time and resources effectively
• Can follow office policies and procedures
• Prior experience in dependency law or trial experience preferred
• Interest & proficiency in working with children & youth in diverse communities
• Juris Doctor Degree & a member in good standing of the State Bar of California
• A valid California driver’s license, reliable automobile, and auto insurance are required while working for Children’s Law Center

• Employee Assistance Program
• Company‑Sponsored Benefits (Medical, Dental, Life Insurance)
• Up to 6% employer‑matched retirement plan
• Generous Parental Leave + Additional Leave Options
• Fitness/Wellness Program
• Health Care & Dependent Day Care FSA
• Transit & Parking Benefits

• Durfee Professional Development funds available for all employees, in good standing, who have been with CLC for at least two years.

• Flexible working environment (depending on position requirements)
• Paid vacation/sick/holiday time
• CLC will pay the current year’s mandatory bar dues for all attorneys…