Systemic Impact Unit Supervising Attorney (Hybrid)

Do you aspire to help communities thrive by shaping systemic solutions rooted in dignity, fairness, and collective well-being? If so, join our team!

The Supervising Attorney of the Systemic Impact Unit (SIU) will supervise the impact advocacy of CLA SoCal and our team of staff attorneys and paralegal. This full-time, hybrid, exempt position reports to the Director of Legal Services and can be based in any of our three offices: Compton, Norwalk, or Santa Ana. SIU seeks to effect meaningful social and legal change that benefits vulnerable low-income and historically marginalized communities in southeast Los Angeles and Orange Counties. SIU uses an array of tools–writs, appeals, impact litigation, and policy advocacy–to achieve the best possible outcomes for our client communities.

Responsibilities:

• Identify systemic issues affecting our client communities and develop impact advocacy to address those issues, including through affirmative litigation and/or policy advocacy.
• Develop and manage partnerships and co-counseling relationships with advocates, community partners, and pro bono partners in furtherance of SIU’s work.
• Lead case reviews and work collaboratively with staff to develop case strategies, best practices, and unit protocols for impact cases and policy initiatives.
• Conduct trainings and outreach activities as necessary in support of SIU advocacies.
• Represent CLA SoCal in the community, including via trainings, conferences, outreach activities, and media.
• Collaborate with the Development Team to develop communication strategies connected to SIU advocacy.
• In conjunction with the Director of Legal Services and Director of Pro Bono, recruit, train, and supervise SIU volunteer attorneys, fellows, and law students.
• Supervise administrative staff, staff attorneys and paralegals within the unit, with flexibility to supervise staff in Orange County and Southeast Los Angeles County offices.
• Co-counsel cases with unit attorneys as part of staff development and be responsible for training staff and overseeing their professional development.
• Mentor, train, and support unit staff, including conducting monthly case reviews and completing annual evaluations and performance reviews.
• Maintain a limited caseload with accurate case notes, timekeeping, and documentation in LegalServer.
• Facilitate and conduct trainings, outreach, and community education for the unit, CLA SoCal, and partner organizations.
• Participate in recruitment and engage in policy advocacy, coordinating with community partners to address and improve systemic issues.
• Identify wrap-around legal services and work collaboratively with CLA SoCal’s various legal units.
• Manage grant deliverables and assist in grant reporting requirements in collaboration with CLA SoCal Grants Management staff in order to maintain and secure funding.
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

Education:

• Juris Doctor and active license in good standing with the State Bar of California Bar or member of another state bar and ability to register as a legal services provider.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in complex litigation including impact litigation, writ litigation, and appellate advocacy.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and active insurance—or other ability to travel frequently within the service area.
• Bilingual proficiency – Preferred.
• Extensive litigation experience in State and/or Federal Court.
• Experience co-counseling with pro bono and/or community partners.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill using litigation tools, including discovery, remedies, and all phases of motion and writ practice, as well as trial experience.
• Experience and demonstrated interest in public interest litigation, impact litigation, complex litigation, appeals, writs, and/or policy advocacy, as well as substantive areas of law such as civil rights, constitutional law, poverty law, housing, disability rights, government benefits, family law, immigration, health, and/or consumer law.
• Expertise in unit practice area and knowledge of legal research methods.
• Experience managing, supervising, and mentoring.
• High level of initiative and mature judgement in tackling multiple projects and tasks with limited supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Work, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and other software programs
• Experience providing Trauma-Responsive/Informed services to clients.
• Commitment to CLA SoCal’s mission and values – Required.

Holistic Benefits:

• May work as little as 35-hour workweek.
• A hybrid schedule may be available when the program is established.
• 16 paid holidays + PTO (including wellness days) starting Day 1
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Student loan reimbursement program
• Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff

About CLA SoCal:

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a welcoming and hopeful non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We provide equal employment opportunities. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities. All individuals who are seeking a welcoming environment who celebrate and value the unique characteristics of every member of the team who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.