Public Law Center empowers low-income and vulnerable communities in Orange County, CA, through our free legal services, including representation, strategic litigation, and advocacy, to challenge injustices impacting these communities.
About the role
The Public Law Center (PLC)’s Family Law Unit seeks an energetic, passionate advocate to join our team to assist low-income individuals in Orange County by providing advice and counsel on family law matters received through phone calls, partner referrals, or clinics; preparing court forms; and representing litigants in limited scope.
PLC’s Family Law Unit provides high-quality direct legal services in family law cases involving restraining orders, divorces, child custody and visitation, guardianship, and other issues related to family law.
The Unit also participates in community education, community-based clinics, and some local and statewide advocacy.
What you'll do
Provide trauma-informed legal services and carry a caseload involving calls, clinics, and legal representation to low-income litigants in family law matters including but not limited to restraining orders, divorces, parentage cases, child custody and visitation, and child or spousal support
Proficiently and competently assist litigants in both the English and Spanish languages
Coordinate referrals to other PLC units to provide comprehensive legal services
Investigate clients’ rights, responsibilities, and remedies, including obtaining and reviewing state court documents and records
Represent PLC at networking and community outreach events
Full-time position with occasional evening and weekend work required
This position requires attendance at meetings, clinics, and court appearances, both remote and in person, in and outside the Public Law Center’s offices, and requires being located in Southern California. Must have ability to work at the organization’s offices in Santa Ana, CA, and travel to work sites located throughout Orange County, CA
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Active membership in the California State Bar or eligibility to practice under State Bar Multijurisdictional Practice Program required
Bilingual English/Spanish required
1-2 years experience; prior experience with family law, including as a paralegal a strong preference
Demonstrated commitment to working with low-income communities and/or individuals who have experienced interpersonal violence or trauma
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate with a variety of audiences
Ability to manage multiple tasks, and work independently and as part of a team
Must have reliable transportation; travel throughout Orange County will be necessary
Salary & Benefits
Compensation is $70,000 – $95,000 annually (salary scale is calculated according to years of attorney experience).
Competitive benefits provided, and for this position include:
Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance (100% of employee premium costs for most plans paid by PLC, and 50% of dependent health insurance premium costs paid by PLC)
Flexible Spending Account Program to help pay for medical expenses and childcare costs
18-20 paid holidays including the office shutdown between December 24 and early January
21 paid sick/wellness days per year to promote mental wellness and general wellbeing
15 paid vacation days per year (with more added for each year at PLC)
Birthday paid time off (2 hours of paid time off during birthday month)
403b retirement plan (after 6 months of employment PLC provides a matching contribution equaling 100% of salary deferral up to a maximum of 3-4%, depending on length of employment)
Monthly stipend to offset Wi-Fi and cell phone costs
Monthly Bilingual Pay Premium upon scoring a sufficiently high level of an oral and/or written test ($50 for oral premium and $50 for written premium)
Opportunities for growth and advancement
Paid CA Bar fees, 1 section membership, and MCLE
Public Law Center is dedicated to building a diverse team and fostering a fair and welcoming work environment. To view our complete DEI statement, please click here.
Public Law Center is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, please contact Public Law Center.
PLC will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.
PLC regrets that it is unable to sponsor employment Visas or consider individuals on time-limited Visa status for this position.