Staff Attorney

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Responsibilities and Duties

The staff attorney will be responsible for a full caseload representing parents and some children at all stages of the juvenile dependency process. The position requires extensive in-person court appearances and daily client contact. Representation includes client interviews, providing ongoing assessments of the merits of cases, conferring with social workers, opposing counsel, and other service providers, appearing at all court hearings, preparing witnesses for trial, participating in mediations and presenting clients’ cases to the court during uncontested hearings and bench trials. The attorney will also participate in frequent trainings to build legal knowledge, strengthen courtroom skills, and develop a deeper understanding of relevant systemic and social issues.

Desired Qualifications

• Member in good standing of the State Bar of California
• Knowledge and experience of juvenile dependency law preferred
• Experience in courtroom advocacy preferred
• Ability to work compassionately and respectfully with clients in crisis
• High degree of professionalism
• Ability to interact respectfully with judicial officers and adhere to the court’s schedule
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest issues
• Ability to flourish in a high-energy environment
• Ability to multi-task and be a productive team player
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, writing, interviewing, and organizational skills
• Bilingual skills preferred
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team of social workers and mentor parents

Salary/Benefits

$85,500 to $90,500 depending upon experience. Medical, dental, and vision coverage available. Generous PTO.

DAC’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Mission Statement

At the Dependency Advocacy Center, our mission is to create an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment where respect, kindness, and empathy guide all interactions with our staff, stakeholders, and clients. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization. We firmly believe that every parent and child entering the dependency system deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. These values are not only applicable to our clients but also extend to all staff members.

We are committed to continuous learning and self-reflection on matters concerning diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Through ongoing education, training, and critical analysis of our progress, we seek to deepen our understanding and awareness of these issues and the impact it has on our clients and staff members. By doing so, we can more effectively advocate for clients and promote all aspects of inclusion, including diverse representation in our leadership and staff.

At DAC, we are determined to increase representative diversity within our organization. We aspire to become an actively pro-diversity company and a strong ally to all the communities we serve. We recognize the importance of intentional efforts to support individuals of diverse ethnicities, abilities, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, and all races and religious affiliations.

Incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion practices is at the core of our daily work at DAC. We strive to integrate these principles into every aspect of our organization to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Application Process

Please visit our career page and submit your cover letter and resume via the "Apply Now" button.

In your cover letter, please include the following information:

1. Why are you interested in working in the position you are applying and at DAC specifically?
2. In order to best serve our clients and our community, DAC is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued. How has your personal background or experiences, professional or otherwise, prepared you to contribute to social justice, race equity, and diversity among our staff?

Company info

Dependency Advocacy Center