The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley advances the rights of under-represented individuals and families in our diverse community through legal services, strategic advocacy, and educational outreach.  The Law Foundation advances justice through its comprehensive legal services and advocacy programs.  Our programs include Housing, Health, Children and Youth, and Pro Bono services.

With over 90 employees, the Law Foundation is the largest provider of free legal services in the South Bay. Located in downtown San Jose, the Law Foundation is a dynamic and interesting place to work. We pride ourselves on fostering a work environment that is motivating, collaborative and fun, with plenty of opportunities for professional growth.  We are committed to our Race and Equity initiative by centering race in our practice, regularly discussing race and how it impacts our work and our community; and advocating to effect change. We strive to provide a collaborative, supportive, and diverse culture. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley is seeking a full-time Supervising Attorney for its Health Program – Economic Rights Unit (“ERU”). The Supervising Attorney will oversee the work of the ERU.  The ERU represents clients living with mental health or developmental disabilities, HIV/AIDS, and other serious chronic illnesses, as well as clients experiencing homelessness.  Currently, the work is focused on eligibility for and maintenance of public benefits and other legal issues including simple estate planning, employment, and consumer law. There is a renewed and strong focus on system change work, including impact litigation and policy advocacy. The Supervising Attorney will report to the Directing Attorney and will work closely and collaboratively with the Supervising Attorney of the Patient’s Rights Unit.

JOB DUTIES

• ·       Supervision of direct services, including, public benefits, estate planning, employment, and consumer law matters.
• ·       Hiring, training, mentoring, and professional development of staff.
• ·       Collaborate with other Law Foundation team members to assist with program design, development, oversight, and administration of the Health Program.
• ·       Work closely with the team to develop and support the Law Foundation’s systemic change efforts in the health context including litigation and policy advocacy.
• ·       Direct representation of clients.
• ·       Support program and organization-wide initiatives, including race equity.
• ·       Oversee and participate in education and outreach to community about legal issues confronted by low-income people living with mental health or developmental disabilities, HIV or AIDS and other serious chronic illnesses, and people experiencing homelessness.
• ·       Training and establishing training protocols for attorneys engaging in systemic advocacy.
• ·       Advancing a community lawyering strategy in the Health practice.
• ·       Developing and maintaining public relations with government agencies, decision-makers, and the community.
• ·       Oversee and manage contracts.
• ·       Participate in fundraising activities including events and grant writing and reporting
• ·       Assist with supervision of other units as needed.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• ·       Deep commitment to and passion for the vision and mission of the Law Foundation.
• ·       Minimum of five years of experience in public interest law or advocacy services.
• ·       Experience developing policy advocacy responses or campaigns.
• ·       Practice experience with Public Benefits field.
• ·       Understanding of Medical-Legal Partnerships or other collaborative service delivery models.
• ·       Effective management and delegation skills.
• ·       Ability to effectively supervise legal work.
• ·       Ability to effectively develop and lead a team and collaborate with other entities, both internal and external to the Law Foundation.
• ·       Demonstrated commitment and ability to work with underrepresented communities, including people living with mental health disabilities, HIV/AIDS, or other disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, members of the LGBTQ community, and clients of diverse ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds;
• ·       Ability to work with community-based organizations, government agencies, and decision-makers.
• ·       Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to create a culture of feedback and continual improvement.
• ·       Commitment to Race Equity work and incorporating race equity principles into the work.
• ·       Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• ·       Litigation experience, including affirmative litigation a plus.
• ·       California Bar Membership required.

COMPENSATION

Salary starts at $100K/year and depends on experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits including generous paid time off, fully paid employee health insurance and 401(k). More information regarding the Law Foundation is available on our website: www.lawfoundation.org.

The Law Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer.  We encourage people of color, women, people living with disabilities, older people, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people to apply.  It is the policy of the Law Foundation to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, medical condition or genetic information, veteran status, national origin, disability, marital or other protected status.  The Law Foundation will conform to the spirit, as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until position is filled. Please submit the following via email to jobs@lawfoundation.org. Please use subject: ERU Supervising Attorney: (1) a resume, (2) three professional references, and (3) a cover letter that explains your interest and also addresses the question below.