Staff Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

ABOUT FVAP

Family Violence Appellate Project (FVAP) is a statewide California nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence and other forms of gender-based abuse.  For more than 14 years, FVAP has worked to promote the safety and well-being of survivors and their children by appealing harmful trial court decisions at no cost to survivors. By working at the appellate court level, FVAP’s cases establish statewide legal precedent that can protect thousands of survivors and families across California. We leverage those appellate opinions and our expertise to provide training, technical assistance, and other legal tools to strengthen the work of attorneys and advocates supporting survivors at trial court and to advocate for changes to law and policy.

FVAP serves diverse communities across rural, suburban, and urban regions throughout the state.

OUR VALUES

Diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice are core values at FVAP. Our team is committed to operating through anti-oppression and anti-racist practices. We believe diverse perspectives lead to stronger and more creative solutions and are committed to building a legal system that promotes fairness and safety for survivors.

POSITION SUMMARY

FVAP is seeking a Staff Attorney who brings strong critical thinking, legal analysis, writing, and collaboration skills, along with a commitment to FVAP’s mission. The Staff Attorney will manage competing priorities and adapt their work as case needs, court deadlines, and organizational priorities evolve.

This position necessitates multi-tasking, prioritizing tasks, and changing focus when circumstances demand.  It also requires the skills to communicate effectively with many different stakeholders, including FVAP’s team members, volunteer law firm attorneys, experienced domestic violence advocates and other community members who are not attorneys,  law student clerks, and prospective clients from all different backgrounds.  This position also requires someone who is detail-oriented and capable of managing a full slate of cases and tracking and complying with dozens of litigation and other deadlines at once.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Duties may include the following (other duties may be assigned)
• Analyzing trial court records and the legal issues in each case and making a recommendation on whether FVAP should accept the case for appeal or writ;
• Consulting with the legal team on case selection and strategy;
• Successfully managing a full, active docket of appellate cases, including supervising and assisting FVAP’s pro bono attorneys in private practice
• Editing and possibly drafting portions of briefs and appellate motions with the pro bono team, and helping to prepare attorneys for oral argument;
• Providing technical assistance to attorneys, and non-attorney advocates on legal and procedural issues related to domestic violence laws, post-trial motions, and/or appeals and writs

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS ROLE

We believe in being transparent about the realities of the position so candidates can determine whether the role is a strong fit for their skills, interests, and working style.

In this role:

• You will manage a full and active caseload, balancing multiple cases, deadlines, and competing priorities at the same time.
• You will need to adapt when case needs, work deadlines, or organizational priorities change.
• You will regularly work with sensitive client and case information and must exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
• You will work collaboratively with pro bono attorneys, law student clerks, advocates, and other community partners, while also being expected to work independently and take initiative.
• You will work in a small nonprofit environment where priorities can shift and everyone is expected to pitch in and support the team as needed.
• Some travel will be required within the San Francisco Bay Area and occasionally elsewhere in California.
• You will occasionally work evenings or weekends when needed for cases, trainings, community events, or other FVAP activities.
• Providing trainings to legal services agencies, domestic violence agencies, and other statewide stakeholders;
• Supervising law student interns, including giving written feedback on their work;
• Performing outreach and fostering connections with stakeholders in other regions of California;
• Analyzing social science literature in the field of domestic violence;
• Advancing FVAP’s Theory of Change and commitment to cultural responsiveness;
• Assisting with administrative and fundraising tasks as needed, including grant reports; responding to office mail, email, fax, and voice mail; assisting with preparation of materials for board meetings; keeping client databases current; attending fundraising events; and other office tasks.
• Opportunities may be available to advocate for legislation or other systems changes on behalf of FVAP;
• Some travel may be required.

WHAT MAKES SOMEONE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE

The ideal candidate is a skilled and thoughtful attorney with a strong commitment to FVAP’s mission of advancing justice for survivors of domestic violence and gender-based abuse, and the ability to navigate a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

• Highly organized and adaptable: Able to manage competing priorities, shift focus when circumstances require, and stay on top of important details and deadlines.
• Collaborative: Works effectively with attorneys, law students, advocates, community partners, and other stakeholders while contributing positively to a team.
• Independent and proactive: Comfortable taking initiative, exercising sound judgment, and moving work forward without needing constant direction.
• Resourceful and receptive to feedback: Curious, willing to learn, able to identify solutions, and open to feedback and different perspectives.
• Contributes where needed: Recognizes that working in a small nonprofit often requires flexibility and a willingness to help with tasks outside of the core responsibilities of the role.
• Mission-driven and culturally responsive: Demonstrates a strong commitment to FVAP’s mission and approaches work with professionalism, cultural responsiveness, and respect for the diverse experiences of survivors and community partners

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary range: $89,000 - $95,000, depending on experience.
• FVAP offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match after one year
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, commuting, and dependent care
• Long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 3 weeks paid vacation with longevity increases
• 14 paid holidays annually
• Additional administrative closure days including a year-end office closure
• Paid sick leave 
• Professional development support

PHYSICAL WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role primarily involves computer-based work using standard office equipment. FVAP currently offers largely remote work options and operates on a 35-hour workweek. Driving or other travel may be required.  FVAP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations that enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

LOCATION

FVAP’s office is located in Oakland, California, convenient to BART and bus lines. This position is eligible for hybrid or largely remote work arrangements.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply online using the application link. Do not send your resume via email. 

Please include a cover letter. Your cover letter should address:

1. Why are you interested in working at FVAP?
2. How does your background or experiences prepare you to perform the responsibilities of this role?
3. How can your experiences contribute to FVAP’s commitment to diversity, equity, and cultural responsiveness?

Review of applications will  continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

FVAP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the application and interview process. Applicants who need an accommodation to participate in the hiring process are encouraged to contact Tammi Relyea - Operations Manager at View email address on ziprecruiter.com.

FVAP is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage individuals from communities historically underrepresented in the legal profession to apply.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Licensed, active member of California Bar;
• Experiences that will enable you to provide appellate advocacy, technical assistance, and outreach to a diverse client population and community of domestic violence service providers;
• Ability to work as part of a team producing polished appellate legal briefs;
• Ability to analyze and apply California domestic violence law, family law, and writ or appellate procedure;
• Understanding of civil trial court practice and procedures;
• Excellent communication, writing, editing, and organizational skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to adapt to and work effectively in the dynamic environment of a small nonprofit; 
• Willingness to pitch in and help out as needed; and
• A commitment to working on behalf of survivors of domestic violence and their children.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior appellate or writ experience;
• Experience in domestic violence and/or family law trial court practice, or another similar type of trial court practice; 
• An understanding of the dynamics of, and the legal, social, and personal issues raised by, domestic violence;
• Experience working with clients in crisis and legal services eligible individuals; 
• Demonstrated competence leading project-based teams;
• Experience creating and presenting legal trainings to attorney and non-attorney audiences; 
• Multilingual or bilingual skills, including Spanish or other languages commonly spoken by communities served by FVAP, are valued; and
• Diversity of personal and professional experience.