PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

For over 50 years, CCLS has been representing and advocating for low-income individuals in Merced, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Fresno, Tulare, and Kings Counties. With more than 90 employees, CCLS works 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 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Member in good standing of the State Bar of California;
• Strong legal writing, research, editing and analytical skills;
• Experience in all stages of civil litigation;
• Ability and willingness to expand substantive legal knowledge in new practice areas as needed, and to have the flexibility required to effectively partner with other CCLS legal teams to ensure exceptional client outcomes; 
• Experience working with low-income clients (preferred);
• Ability to communicate effectively with people with communication barriers including those who are stressed or confused, those who suffer from physical or mental disabilities or those for whom English is a second language;
• Bilingual ability desirable and eligible for salary adjustment (Hmong/English or Spanish/English especially relevant);
• Excellent communication skills;
• Comfortable working under pressure, including tight deadlines and challenging topics/clients/opposing attorneys;
• Commitment to the rights and empowerment of our clients;
• Commitment to participation in CCLS’ efforts to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; 
• Ability to travel as needed and proof of liability and property insurance on vehicle used.

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.