Position Summary

About Us

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 work helps families achieve safety, stability, and dignity through high-quality legal assistance.

What You'll Do

Provide Legal Advice and Counsel

• Conduct client consultations to assess legal issues and provide legal advice on family law matters including dissolution of marriage, legal separation, custody and visitation, domestic violence restraining orders, parentage, and child and spousal support
• Advise clients on probate matters including conservatorships, guardianships, estate administration, and related issues
• Explain legal processes, rights, obligations, and options in clear, accessible language
• Analyze client circumstances and recommend appropriate legal strategies
• Answer client questions and provide ongoing legal guidance throughout their cases
• Conduct legal research to address complex legal issues

Document Preparation and Review

• Prepare comprehensive legal documents including petitions, responses, motions, declarations, orders, judgments, and supporting documentation
• Draft clear, accurate, and legally sound pleadings tailored to individual client needs
• Review and analyze documents submitted by opposing parties
• Ensure all documents comply with California law, local court rules, and procedural requirements
• Prepare clients to file and serve documents independently when appropriate

Collaborate with Paralegals and Support Staff

• Work closely with paralegals to coordinate client services and case management
• Review documents prepared by paralegals for legal accuracy, completeness, and compliance
• Provide guidance and direction to paralegals on case strategy and document preparation
• Verify that all client documents are properly prepared before filing
• Supervise paralegal work product and provide constructive feedback
• Delegate appropriate tasks while maintaining quality control

Client Education and Empowerment

• Educate clients about court procedures and what to expect in their legal proceedings
• Prepare clients to represent themselves effectively in court when full representation is not provided
• Provide written materials and resources to support client understanding
• Conduct community legal education workshops and presentations

Case Management and Compliance

• Maintain accurate and organized case files in compliance with organizational policies and grant requirements
• Document all client interactions, advice provided, and services rendered in case management system
• Meet productivity goals and quality standards
• Track case outcomes and maintain required statistical data
• Stay current on changes in family law, probate law, and court procedures

Professional Collaboration

• Participate in staff meetings, case consultations, and training sessions
• Collaborate with community partners and social service agencies
• Engage in professional development and continuing legal education
• Contribute to organizational initiatives and program development

Qualifications

Required:

• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California
• Minimum one year of legal experience; recent law graduates with substantial clinical, internship, or law school experience in family law or probate are encouraged to apply
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Excellent document drafting abilities with attention to detail and accuracy
• Effective communication skills with ability to explain complex legal concepts to clients with varying education levels
• Experience working collaboratively with paralegals or legal support staff
• Ability to provide legal advice and counsel to clients in sensitive, emotionally challenging situations
• Strong organizational and case management skills
• Ability to manage multiple cases and meet deadlines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and legal research platforms (Westlaw, LexisNexis)
• Commitment to serving low-income communities and advancing access to justice
• Valid California driver's license and reliable transportation for occasional office meetings or community events
• Ability to successfully complete background check required by funding sources

Preferred:

• Experience in family law or probate practice, including document preparation and limited scope representation
• Prior work in legal aid, self-help centers, public interest law, or serving underserved populations
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish
• Training in trauma-informed advocacy or client-centered representation
• Familiarity with California Judicial Council forms and procedures
• Experience with case management software
• Knowledge of community resources for legal aid clients

Skills and Attributes:

• Cultural competency and ability to work respectfully with clients from diverse backgrounds
• Patience and empathy when working with clients experiencing crisis or trauma
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team
• Sound professional judgment and adherence to ethical standards
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment
• Commitment to professional growth and continuous learning

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Primarily sedentary work involving extended computer use and desk work
• Ability to review documents and work on computer screens for prolonged periods
• Occasional travel within San Bernardino and Riverside Counties for office meetings, community events, or client meetings as needed
• May require attendance at occasional evening or weekend community events
• Ability to lift and carry files and materials up to 15 pounds
• Work may be performed remotely, in a hybrid arrangement, or in-office based on organizational needs and mutual agreement
• Standard 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