Position Summary

The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino (LASSB) provides free civil legal services to low-income residents across San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. With a dedicated team of fewer than 45 staff members and volunteer attorneys, we serve over 8,000 households annually—impacting more than 20,000 individuals each year. Our Domestic Violence Project operates with a team-based approach that emphasizes quality representation and staff support.

Essential Functions

Case Evaluation and Client Counseling

• Review and evaluate potential cases to determine program eligibility and appropriate services
• Conduct client consultations to assess legal needs and provide advice on legal options
• Provide legal advice regarding restraining orders, family law matters, and related civil legal issues
• Develop case strategies in collaboration with paralegals and support staff
• Explain legal processes and options to clients in clear, accessible language
• Conduct legal research as needed to support case work

Court Representation

• Represent clients in court proceedings for Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs) and related matters
• Appear at court hearings, including request for order hearings and contested proceedings
• Present evidence, examine witnesses, and make legal arguments as needed
• Handle family law matters related to domestic violence including custody, visitation, and support issues
• Prepare clients for court appearances and provide ongoing support throughout proceedings
• Participate in mediations and settlement conferences when appropriate

Document Preparation and Review

• Prepare petitions for restraining orders and related legal documents
• Draft pleadings, motions, declarations, and proposed orders
• Review documents prepared by paralegals for legal accuracy and completeness
• Review and analyze opposing party's filings
• Ensure all documents comply with California law and court procedures

Collaboration with Paralegals and Support Staff

• Work closely with paralegals who handle case intake, document preparation, and client communication
• Provide legal guidance and direction to paralegals on case issues
• Coordinate with domestic violence advocates and social workers for comprehensive client services
• Participate in team meetings and case consultations
• Collaborate with community partners and service providers as needed

Case Management and Professional Development

• Maintain case files in compliance with organizational policies and grant requirements
• Document services provided in case management system
• Meet reasonable case handling standards established by the organization
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and continuing legal education
• Contribute to community outreach and education activities as appropriate
• Stay current on developments in domestic violence law and family law

Minimum Qualifications

Required:

• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California
• Minimum two years of legal experience; attorneys with one year of experience and substantial domestic violence or family law experience may be considered
• Litigation experience including court appearances
• Strong legal research and writing skills
• Effective oral communication and advocacy skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with paralegals and support staff
• Experience with or willingness to learn trauma-informed practices
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and legal research platforms (Westlaw, LexisNexis)
• Commitment to serving low-income populations
• Valid California driver's license and reliable transportation for court appearances throughout San Bernardino and Riverside Counties
• Ability to successfully complete background check required by funding sources

Preferred:

• Experience representing domestic violence survivors or handling restraining order cases
• Family law litigation experience
• Prior work in legal aid, domestic violence programs, or public interest law
• Training in domestic violence dynamics or trauma-informed advocacy
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish
• Knowledge of immigration relief for victims of violence (VAWA, U-Visa, T-Visa)
• Familiarity with California Judicial Council forms and family law procedures
• Understanding of community resources for domestic violence survivors

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of California domestic violence law and family law
• Commitment to protecting the rights of domestic violence survivors
• Ability to work with clients experiencing difficult circumstances with empathy and professionalism
• Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse populations
• Sound professional judgment and decision-making skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to maintaining work-life balance and professional wellness
• Flexibility and adaptability

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Hybrid work arrangement with combination of in-office, remote, and court-based work
• Regular travel to courthouses throughout San Bernardino and Riverside Counties
• Attendance at court hearings and client meetings as scheduled
• Primarily sedentary work involving computer use when not in court
• Occasional evening or weekend work for special events or emergencies
• Ability to navigate courthouse facilities
• Ability to lift and carry files and materials up to 20 pounds
• Professional office environment when working on-site

Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Compensation and Benefits