Family Law Staff Attorney

Why Join Our Team: Step Forward Foundation is a nonprofit organization providing specialized legal services to low-income communities in Santa Clara, San Benito, and Monterey Counties. We are a small close-knit group of social justice minded professionals serving primarily victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. We currently provide immigration, family law, and employment representation. Our team values compassion, kindness, mental health, and flexibility. We promote work-life balance and mental health wellness within our organization. Come join our vibrant, fun, and warm team!

Position Overview: We are looking for an experienced Family Law Staff Attorney to join our team to provide representation to individuals. Step Forward staff work on a hybrid. The Staff Attorney will be expected to engage in both in-person and virtual meetings, communications, case work, and court appearances. Some client meetings will be required in either our San Jose or Morgan Hill office. The Staff Attorney is required to work a 39-hour work week; the 40th hour is dedicated towards mental health. Our general operating hours are 9AM to 5PM; but allows flexible hours, as requested.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Represent low-income victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and crimes in family law matters, including but not limited to divorce, child custody, restraining orders, and child/spousal support in Family Court.
• Conduct client-centered and trauma-informed consultations with prospective clients and other group legal clinics as required.
• Engage in outreach activities to community to develop relationships Step Forward’s partners.
• Stay informed regarding changes and updates in applicable law, rules, procedures, policies, and practices relating to the functions assigned.
• Assist with training and mentorship of paralegals, volunteers, and interns by compiling sample and templates and other technical assistance documents necessary to assist the team.
• Assist Managing Attorney in completing grant requests and reporting.
• May require some daytime travel within Santa Clara & San Benito Counties, and surrounding areas.
• May perform other similar or related duties, which may not be specifically included within this position description, but which are consistent within the general level of the job and the responsibilities described.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate & License to practice law in California.
• Experience in filing documents and appearing in Family Court is highly desirable.
• Spanish, Vietnamese, or Chinese proficiency preferred.
• Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work under pressure.
• Prefer interest in social-justice oriented practice working with victims of crimes.
• California driver license and have access to a registered vehicle.

Step Forward is an equal opportunity employer and promotes equity and transparency as values. We are committed to developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds, especially individuals from immigrant and refugee communities. People of color, immigrants, women, LGBTQ persons, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to seek employment at Step Forward.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (100% premium paid by Step Forward Foundation).
• 15 Paid Holidays plus a winter office closure.
• Accrued Paid Time Off includes: 2 Weeks (80-hours) Paid-Time Off (PTO);
• 7 Days (56-hours) Personal/Floating Holidays; and 5 Days (40-hours) Paid Sick Days
• Malpractice Insurance
• Bar Dues paid by Step Forward Foundation
• Position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) at this time

Spanish, Vietnamese, or Chinese proficiency preferred.