PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

For over 50 years, CCLS has represented and advocated for low-income individuals in the Central Valley. With more than 90 employees, our mission is to provide high quality, no-cost civil legal services to low-income individuals, families, and communities—improving the wellbeing of our Valley through systems-changing advocacy, client education, and legal work that meets individual clients’ immediate needs. We also work closely with agencies and community organizations that share our commitment to support our clients in being their own agents of change. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

CCLS has an exciting new position for an energetic Staff Attorney to serve on its Consumer-Senior-Public Benefits Team, supporting the growth of our expanding organization. The Staff Attorney will provide legal representation to eligible seniors and dependent adults on a wide variety of issues impacting CCLS’ client population. The Staff Attorney will also engage in outreach and education events and build relationships with community members, agencies, and other community-based organizations. 

DUTIES

• Represent senior and consumer clients in estate planning, public benefits, consumer matters, including direct services, administrative hearings, affirmative litigation and Elder Abuse Restraining Orders (EARO);
• Initiate impact litigation to prevent and remedy unlawful acts against seniors and consumers;
• Work with the team to accomplish the Fresno, Merced, Tulare & Kings County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) seniors grant project goals, maintain accurate records, and provide monthly written reports;
• Participate in organizing, conducting, and attending community outreach events and legal workshops/clinics across the Central Valley;
• Maintain ongoing relationships with CCLS attorneys, pro bono attorneys and volunteers, support centers, and community-based partners and service providers;
• Assist with provision of in-person, legal services at the CCLS Los Banos satellite office; 
• Attend national or regional trainings as deemed necessary and/or helpful to CCLS, and provide training on lessons learned to other CCLS staff;
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Active member in good standing of the State Bar of California; 
• Minimum three (3) years of experience as a practicing attorney;
• Civil litigation experience strongly preferred;
• Collaborative, team-oriented individual able to work with colleagues and external partners;
• Ability to assume responsibility quickly, comfortable under pressure, and able to work independently and as part of a team; 
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; 
• Have an organized, detailed approach;
• Ability to work with a wide range of clients in a kind, appropriate, client-centered manner;
• Bilingual ability strongly preferred;
• Commitment to CCLS’ mission and core values; 
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;

CCLS is an equal opportunity employer: we value equity, inclusion, and diversity, across all races, cultures, classes, ages, religions, gender identities and presentations, sexual orientations, body sizes, family structures, abilities, and all categories protected by law. We encourage all interested individuals to apply. CCLS is subject to a Collective Bargaining Agreement.