Staff Attorney - SSI

Position Summary

The staff attorney will be expected to maintain a caseload, which may include: Interviewing prospective clients; analyzing their legal problems; rendering legal advice; negotiation with opposing parties/agencies; preparing and submitting documents for clients; representing clients in various phases of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) application/appeal process for disability benefits; maintaining a large caseload; attending community meetings; developing positive relationships with client communities; finding solutions to broader client problems through policy development or other strategies.

About the Organization

Legal Aid Society of San Diego (LASSD), the largest poverty law firm serving San Diego County since 1953, strengthens our communities by redressing our clients’ legal problems; empowering our clients to access and effectively participate within the legal, governmental, and social systems; and encouraging self-empowerment in the fight against poverty and injustice. LASSD continues to be a proud, committed, and compassionate group of people dedicated to providing equal access to justice for San Diegans through aggressive, quality legal services. #justicebeginshere

Essential Functions:

• Interviewing prospective clients; determining program eligibility; rendering legal advice; preparation of legal documents; developing and maintaining a caseload.

• Representing clients in all phases of the SSI/SSDI-disability-benefit application, appeal, and administrative hearing process, including research, drafting pleadings and briefs, hearings, and appeals.

• Attending community meetings, community education events, and community workshops.

• Developing positive relationships with the client community.

• Giving presentations and workshops on Legal Aid services and Social Security Disability programs.

• Developing positive relationships with the client community.

• Developing positive, professional relationships with administrative agency personnel.

• Providing in-person legal assistance at outreach locations within San Diego County one to two days per week.

• 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.

• Collaborating with other teams and outside organizations, when directed by a supervisor, to provide holistic services.

• Staying up to date on substantive developments regarding substantive practice area.

• Compliance with all program and grant requirements.

• Other duties as may be assigned.