Affirmative Litigation Staff Attorney

Position Description

CCLS seeks an experienced litigator to join our growing affirmative and impact litigation team. The ideal candidate has handled cases from inception to resolution, having had primary responsibility for written discovery, depositions and law and motion work. Some trial experience is preferred but not required. We are looking for a passionate advocate who is committed to access to justice for all and providing exceptional representation to the disenfranchised. We offer the opportunity to further develop your litigation skills and to help grow and shape the litigation that CCLS undertakes to address the legal barriers of individuals and communities living in poverty.

Our team values positive interpersonal skills, collaboration, communication, feedback, professionalism, social consciousness, a strong work ethic and a sense of humor. We provide a supportive environment for attorneys training to become great litigators, or for more senior litigators looking to transition to deeply meaningful community work later in their career.

This is a full-time position, but part-time would be considered for a candidate with prior substantial litigation experience.

DUTIES

• Case evaluation and development;
• Maintain a significant litigation case load (intake through trial), both as lead attorney on some matters and as part of a team on others;
• Effectively negotiate favorable settlements, both formally and informally, and strategically implement a settlement strategy when necessary or appropriate;
• Work with other CCLS advocates and the affirmative litigation team as a whole to ensure delivery of high-quality legal representation to clients consistent with CCLS program priorities;
• Assist the Director of Litigation in developing and maintaining relationships with client groups and community-based service providers to help identify community lawyering opportunities;
• Assist the team in identifying and analyzing systemic issues through positive connections with other CCLS legal teams and community organizations;
• Participate in weekly CCLS case review meetings, keep abreast of changes in the law, including continuing legal education, and adhere to CCLS policies and procedures;
• Other duties as assigned.

Ccls Benefits Package Overview

Work/Life Balance

• 7.5 hour work day / 37.5 hour week
• 14.5 Paid Holidays
• Free wellness counseling & resources
• Union protection for applicable positions

Rewards for Dedication

• Annual pay increases
• Overtime for Hourly/Non-exempt staff
• Compensatory Time for Salaried/Exempt staff

More than Base Pay

• School Loan Assistance up to $500/month
• Bilingual Pay up to $90/month
• Home internet reimbursement of $25/month
• CCLS issued laptop & cell phone
• CA State Bar dues paid in full
• Mileage reimbursement

Retirement Contribution

• CCLS contributes to staff 403(b) plans starting at the one-year anniversary:
• Year 1 to 2 – 1% of salary contributed
• Year 2 to 3 – 2% of salary contributed
• Year 3 to 4 – 3% of salary contributed
• Year 4 to 5 – 4% of salary contributed
• Year 5+ - 5% of salary contributed

Group Health Insurance

• Coverage begins 1st of the month following hire date
• CCLS pays 100% for staff health insurance coverage
• CCLS pays 67% of staff dependent health insurance coverage
• Dental PPO & Vision Insurance
• Long term disability & life insurance
• Workers Compensation coverage

Cash Out Options

• Accrued vacation cashed out & added to paycheck upon request
• Overtime Pay Out (Non-Exempt Staff):
• OT paid out within 30 days of accrual, per State standards

Computer Loan Fund

• Up to $1,500 interest free loan to assist staff with personal computer purchase

State Bar Exam Leave & Loan

• Protected leave for CA Bar Exam
• Interest-free loan for Bar Exam & study course fees
• Up to 8 weeks salary advance