Employment Opportunities

A cosponsored family law/ domestic violence project of Black Women Lawyers of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Bar Association and Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles

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Employment Opportunities:

Director of Legal Services

Director of Legal Services: Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law seeks a respected, experienced, capable, hardworking, attorney to supervise its team of dedicated attorneys, client assistants and volunteers.

As chief lawyer, supervisor, and mentor, the Director of Legal Services will spend most of his or her time working individually and in small groups with staff lawyers on their cases to identify issues, develop strategies for resolution, marshal needed resources, and prepare for hearings and trials. S/he will help the Center’s staff attorneys and volunteers evaluate the substantive law and procedure in their cases, and will also maintain a small caseload of complex cases.

The Director of Legal Services will supervise day to day legal operations, including the design and implementation of systems for case management, training of volunteers and staff lawyers, and strategic utilization of the Center’s large cadre of volunteers. S/he will also oversee the updating of the Center’s legal publications, including its practice guide, “Family Law Basics,” and will support legislative and litigation efforts directed at systemic reform of problems encountered by low-income family law litigants.

The Director of Legal Services will be supervised by and report directly to the Center’s Executive Director.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

	A JD degree and admission in good standing to the California Bar
	At least 12 years of litigation experience, including identifying, analyzing and successfully resolving complex legal issues; and at least some experience in family law
	A demonstrated commitment to, and successful track record of supervising and mentoring less experienced lawyers in the development of their analytic and legal skills
	Strong command of the rules of civil procedure and civil practice
	Trial experience
	Excellent research, writing and editing skills
	A willingness to work some Saturdays and weeknights and to travel periodically to locations throughout Los Angeles County

The Successful Director of Legal Services will:

	Be passionate about public interest law and the delivery of legal services to low-income people
	Have a demonstrated ability to mentor and support lawyers in their professional development
	Have the ability to work collegially and respectfully with clients, staff, Board members, volunteers, court personnel and members of the broader community in which the Center operates
	Have superior organizational skills
	Have excellent oral and written communication skills
	Be a proven leader who sets high standards and who is positive and energetic, collaborative, inclusive, effective and results oriented
	Have a demonstrated ability to think creatively, plan effectively and adeptly manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines in a professional manner
	Value the opportunity to work toward improving the lives of others over earning a salary commensurate with the private sector

To apply: Please email a cover letter, resume, list of three professional references and writing sample to: jobs@hbcfl.org. No phone calls please.