WRIT ATTORNEY

WRIT ATTORNEY: JOB DESCRIPTION

Join Children’s Law Center of California (CLC) and become part of an amazing team of advocates and change-makers representing children and families impacted by the child welfare system. CLC is the largest children’s legal services organization in the nation, currently serving 25,000 clients in the Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Placer County child welfare systems.

Position Summary

The position of Writ Attorney encompasses specific performance areas related to handling writ and appeal matters and preparing writs on behalf of CLCLA1 under the supervision of the Firm Director. At the discretion of the CLCLA1 Firm Director, the Writ Attorney may be assigned primary responsibility for particular cases. This is an internal promotion opportunity.

Responsibilities

1. Work closely with attorneys regarding writ and appeal related matters.
2. Review appellate mail and communicate with attorneys about cases.
3. Prepare and respond to writ petitions (statutory and emergency) in the Court of Appeal and appear before the Court of Appeal for oral argument when appropriate.
4. Prepare notices of appeal and requests for appointment of appellate counsel.
5. Prepare and respond to requests for de/publication.
6. Collaborate as a member of CLC’s Writ Team to prepare in-house legal research, create the monthly newsletter and the annual summary of new case law.
7. Draft and review proposed legislation.
8. Review and comment on proposed court rules, protocols, and other matters.
9. Update and maintain CLC motion bank.
10. Assist attorneys in researching legal issues and finding pertinent case law and statutes.
11. Assist attorneys in writing and editing points and authorities, motions, briefs, requests for rehearing, and other pleadings and documents.
12. Review and/or draft Amicus Briefs on matters of interest to CLC.
13. Provide assistance on special projects as requested by the Firm Director or Executive Director.
14. Any other duties as requested by Attorney Supervisors or Firm Director.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

1. Juris Doctor degree and a member in good standing of the State Bar Association of California.
2. Prior experience in dependency law required.
3. Experience working on writ and/or appellate related matters preferred.
4. Must have excellent legal writing and research skills, the ability to work at top performance under tight deadlines, and the ability to adapt to different schedules and courtroom assignments on a daily basis.

BENEFITS & COMPENSATION

The pay range for this position is $88,510 to $137,889, based on relevant experience as determined by CLC. CLC offers an excellent benefits package including 15 PTO days and 12 sick days in the first year, an up to 6% employer-matched retirement plan, and generous Family and Medical Leave and health care plans.

CLC values diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect for all individuals in the workplace. We recognize the importance of a culturally diverse workforce across all job classifications, and encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives to apply. CLC is committed to inclusive practices in recruitment, hiring, promotion, and retention.

A valid California driver’s license, reliable automobile, and auto insurance required while working for Children’s Law Center.