Family/Civil Law Staff Attorney

Saahas for Cause is seeking a Family Law or Civil Litigation Staff Attorney to serve as the founding member of its new in-house legal team, launched through the OVW Expanding Legal Services Initiative (ELSI) grant. This is a unique opportunity to build a legal department from the ground up, shaping its structure, practice, and priorities as its first attorney. You will deliver culturally competent, trauma-informed representation to South Asian immigrant survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. You will not do it alone: Saahas provides a collaborative and trauma-informed work environment, including supervision and mentorship from experienced attorneys, among them lawyer members of our Board of Directors, and ongoing guidance from the American Bar Association's technical assistance providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent survivors in family law proceedings, including protective orders, divorce, separation, custody and visitation, child support, and spousal support.
• Litigate in Los Angeles County and Orange County Superior Courts; prepare and file pleadings; conduct legal research; and advocate before judges and court personnel.
• Engage in ongoing safety planning with clients; coordinate with Saahas case managers, counselors, and advocates on clients’ legal, safety, and holistic support needs; refer immigration matters to qualified external partners.
• Participate in community outreach.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) or LL.M. from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active membership in the California State Bar in good standing, or willingness to sit for an upcoming California Bar exam.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in family law and/or domestic violence legal services, which may include supervised clinical experience and internships or externships.
• Demonstrated cultural humility working with clients from diverse linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Experience serving immigrant communities, survivors, or low-income populations, especially in a nonprofit setting.
• Familiarity with VAWA self-petitions, U-Visa certification, and the intersection of family and immigration law.

NOTE: Candidates are encouraged to apply even if not all qualifications are met.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Saahas for Cause is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of employment. Saahas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Saahas strongly encourages applications from individuals with lived experience of the South Asian immigrant community and from survivors of gender-based violence. All hiring decisions are made in accordance with Saahas’ Recruitment Policy, which prioritizes skills, qualifications, experience, and alignment with organizational mission.

Disclaimer

This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-25-GG-00526-LEGA awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Annual salary: $85,280 – $91,520 per year for 1.0 FTE. This is a full-time, exempt, grant-funded position. Paid sick leave, mileage reimbursement for authorized business travel at the prevailing IRS standard mileage rate, and access to Saahas’ organizational wellness resources.

Fluency in at least one South Asian language is desirable.