Staff Attorney - Restraining Order Clinics
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Established in 1983, San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc. (SDVLP) is the oldest and most comprehensive pro bono legal services program in San Diego County. SDVLP’s mission is to provide equal access to the justice system by serving as a bridge between indigent and other disadvantaged people in San Diego County and the volunteer lawyers who are willing to donate their time and resources. Our team of talented and passionate employees is collegial, supportive, and committed to providing top-quality legal services to indigent, vulnerable San Diegans.
OCCUPATIONAL SUMMARY:
SDVLP currently operates six restraining order clinics throughout San Diego County and is seeking a part-time Staff Attorney to support these clinics and our restraining order program. This position will provide top-quality legal advice and representation to low-income San Diegans seeking various types of restraining orders including domestic violence, elder abuse, civil harassment, and gun violence.
The Staff Attorney will also recruit, train, and supervise the work of pro bono attorneys providing representation to SDVLP clients while also performing community outreach and education to the legal community and local social service providers.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
The Staff Attorney will be responsible for:
- Providing coverage and support at various SDVLP locations across San Diego County based on organizational and operational needs;
- Advising clients, including preparing self-represented litigants, for restraining order hearings;
- Drafting restraining orders for self-represented litigants;
- Mentoring, training, and supervising pro bono attorneys drafting requests for restraining orders and representing SDVLP clients in their restraining order hearings;
- Recruiting new pro bono attorney volunteers through community outreach and attendance at networking events;
- Developing and maintaining written training materials for pro bono attorneys;
- Maintaining a small representation caseload in restraining order cases;
- Maintaining knowledge of other legal services programs to provide targeted referrals for issues outside the scope of SDVLP programs;
- Collaborating and coordinating with partner staff;
- Training and supervising non-attorney staff;
- Managing and compiling statistical data and assisting with the drafting of narrative reports to funding sources; and
- Engaging in other tasks and projects as needed to further SDVLP’s mission.