Dependency Staff Attorney

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Dependency Staff Attorney
The candidate will represent children at all stages of juvenile dependency proceedings. Will be in court frequently and have regular client contact. Responsibilities include client interviews/home visits; providing ongoing evaluation and investigation of cases; preparing for and participating in all hearings; participating in mediations, Child & Family Team meetings, and other alternative dispute resolution efforts. May also advocate for clients in other areas, including education, because children’s success and stability is based on more than simply the outcomes of their juvenile court cases. Represent a full caseload of children and youth in juvenile dependency court proceedings. Interview clients in their homes/community; advise clients on legal rights, legal proceedings, and decisions regarding child placement; make preliminary evaluation of conflict of interest. Take appropriate legal steps to best represent clients; advise clients on the proper course of action; represent clients at all phases of court proceedings, engage in client, lay witness and expert witness contact. Order investigation of the case and subpoena witnesses determined to be helpful to the case; analyze facts in light of relevant legal considerations; conduct legal research; prepare litigation strategy, prepare legal memoranda, motions and briefs, and argue specific legal motions and pleadings; litigate evidentiary hearings; examine and crossexamine witnesses and challenge their qualifications; argue cases. Conduct contested and non-contested court appearances, hearings, and trials for parties in juvenile court proceedings, and seek appropriate appellate relief from decision of the Juvenile Court by preparing and arguing writs and notices of appeal. Visit homes and other placements for children, evaluating and reporting as required; correspond and communicate with interested parties such as relatives, judges, and social services personnel with regard to placements, the status and legal rights of clients; and handle all legal steps needed to protect client’s interests. Participate in regular meetings with firm supervisors, courtroom teams and staff and participate in general office upkeep duties, including computer data entry of case information and timekeeping. Appear before public and private groups, as requested, to make presentations and answer questions about the functions. Work effectively with colleagues and representatives of other agencies. Follow written and oral instructions. Prepare written legal arguments in a logical and concise manner. Summarize and evaluate complex documents and factual situations. Understand and apply legal principles to factual situations. Communicate effectively with clients, lay witnesses, expert witnesses, child welfare workers, co-workers, and other lawyers and Judges. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. Elicit, analyze, and apply legal data and evidence. Perform in a stressful environment. Use good judgment and make appropriate decisions. Exercise interpersonal sensitivity and flexibility. Establish working relationships with clients of diverse racial, cultural, socio-economic. Present legal arguments clearly, logically, and effectively in oral and written form. Handle legal correspondence and procedures with tact and accuracy. Maintain records, logs, and case files; record time; and prepare reports. Active Member in good standing of the State Bar of California. Strong written and verbal skills. Perform legal research quickly and with initiative.

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