Job Summary

Legal Aid of San Bernardino (LASSB) has a position for an immediate, full-time Probate and Small Estate Attorney. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to serving disadvantaged populations and we will give preference to candidates who have knowledge of poverty law and experience providing services to low-income individuals. The Staff Attorney will assist LASSB’s clients primarily in the areas of conservatorship of the person, and guardianship of the person. The Staff Attorney is responsible for managing their own caseload under the supervision of the Executive Director, provides services ranging from advice and referrals to full representation depending on the circumstances, and assists the Executive Director in determining level of services to be provided factoring in LASSB’s mission, funding, and capacity. The position is based in our office in San Bernardino, and the courthouse and will require travel throughout the County for court appearances, meetings, and community outreach.

About LASSB

Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino is a 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization that was founded in 1958 for the purpose of providing civil legal services to the indigent and needy. Since its formation, LASSB has continually provided free legal services to the needy to protect their rights and assist them in remedying problems which affect their daily lives. We provide free legal services throughout the vast county of San Bernardino. Our organization advocates for the rights of those who are low income, and we believe the right team with a powerful vision can change how society contributes to their success.

Benefits

  • Health care   
  • Life Insurance             
  • Paid Vacation/Sick/Holidays 

Essential Functions:

  • Candidate will focus and oversee the Caregivers to Access to Justice Project in the San Bernardino Superior Court Mon-Thur. 
  • Interviewing prospective clients; rendering legal advice; preparation of legal documents; developing a caseload
  • Representing clients in all phases of court litigation, including research, drafting pleadings and briefs, trial, and appeal
  • Comply with all applicable regulations, policies, and grant requirements
  • Maintain the highest ethical standards as a member of the State Bar and stay current with updates and changes to the law
  • Support, promote, and participate in community education, outreach, and developing good public relations with the client community and civil issues/rights
  • Developing positive relationships with clients, co-workers, and community partners
  • Handling an increasingly complex caseload
  • Treat clients with respect and show true empathy
  • Assisting in the training and supervision of advocates, law students and volunteers as appropriate
  • Developing creative methods, litigious and non-litigious for dealing with recurring client problems
  • Ability to use appropriate software in the performance of professional legal work
  • Compliance with all program and grant requirements
  • Embrace and support the Organization’s overall mission, standards, policies and procedures, and confidentiality guidelines
  • Participate in clinics or outreach as needed
  • Developing creative methods, litigious and non-litigious for dealing with recurring client problems

Desired Skills and Other Requirements:

  • Juris Doctorate Degree, licensed to practice law in the State of California
  • Licensed to drive in California or otherwise has a reliable means of transportation to travel to court, meetings, and outreach events
  • Bilingual Spanish/English preferred but not required
  • Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with those who may have educational, language, cognitive impairments, or other barriers to understanding
  • Ability to meet deadlines and perform multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail
  • Demonstrate dependability through good attendance and adherence to timelines and schedules
  • Good follow through, analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Demonstrate resourcefulness and ability to take initiative in development and completion of projects
  • Strong sense of customer service
  • Strong proficiency in computer applications
  • Able and willing to continue professional development
  • Excellent oral and written advocacy, legal analysis, and legal research skills
  • Minimum of two (2) years of relevant legal experience preferred but not required
  • Must work well with others and have a good sense of humor
  • Passion for LASSB’s mission & serving those in need

Physical Requirements

This work is sedentary and requires the following physical activities:

  • Sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending, squatting, kneeling, stooping; good finger dexterity and feeling; frequent repetitive motions; ability to speak and hear; or the ability to perform essential job functions with reasonable accommodation
  • Frequent lifting (up to 10 pounds of paper supplies or minor office equipment)
  • Driving to client locations and other sites as needed

NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this position. These statements are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

LASSB is an equal opportunity employer.

Position is available immediately and posting will remain open until filled.

Client appointments are being conducted via Microsoft Teams until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Staff are mostly working from the office. Remote work may be considered on a temporary basis.