Full-Time Staff Attorney - Family Law Unit (Hybrid - Must Reside in Southern California)

Founded in 1981, The Public Law Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free legal services to low-income residents and other nonprofits in Orange County. Last year, Public Law Center staff and volunteers provided over 65,000 hours of free legal services in handling over 4,500 cases benefiting low-income children, adults and seniors. The estimated value of this work is roughly $60 million in just the past three years. Our services include counseling, individual representation, community education and strategic policy advocacy and impact litigation to challenge societal injustices.

The Public Law Center (PLC)’s Family Law Unit seeks an energetic, passionate advocate to join our team to assist low-income individuals in Orange County by providing advice and counsel on family law matters received through phone calls, partner referrals, or clinics; preparing court forms; and representing litigants in limited scope. 

PLC’s Family Law Unit provides high-quality direct legal services in family law cases involving restraining orders, divorces, child custody and visitation, guardianship, and other issues related to family law.

The Unit also participates in community education, community-based clinics, and some local and statewide advocacy.

• →Provide trauma-informed legal services and carry a caseload involving calls, clinics, and legal representation to low-income litigants in family law matters including but not limited to restraining orders, divorces, parentage cases, child custody and visitation, and child or spousal support

• →Proficiently and competently assist litigants in both the English and Spanish languages

• →Coordinate referrals to other PLC units to provide comprehensive legal services

• →Investigate clients’ rights, responsibilities, and remedies, including obtaining and reviewing state court documents and records 

• →Represent PLC at networking and community outreach events

• →Full-time position with occasional evening and weekend work required

• →This position requires attendance at meetings, clinics, and court appearances, both remote and in person, in and outside the Public Law Center’s offices, and requires being located in Southern California. Must have ability to work at the organization’s offices in Santa Ana, CA, and travel to work sites located throughout Orange County, CA

• →Other duties as assigned

• Active membership in the California State Bar or eligibility to practice under State Bar Multijurisdictional Practice Program  required

• Bilingual English/Spanish required

• 1-2 years experience; prior experience with family law, including as a paralegal a strong preference

• Demonstrated commitment to working with low-income communities and/or individuals who have experienced interpersonal violence or trauma

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate with a variety of audiences

• Ability to manage multiple tasks, and work independently and as part of a team

• Must have reliable transportation; travel throughout Orange County will be necessary