Staff Attorney (part-time)- Unlawful Detainer Clinic

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Established in 1983, San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc. (SDVLP) is the oldest and most comprehensive pro bono legal services program in San Diego County. SDVLP’s mission is to provide equal access to the justice system by serving as a bridge between indigent and other disadvantaged people in San Diego County and the volunteer lawyers who are willing to donate their time and resources. Our team of talented and passionate employees is collegial, supportive, and committed to providing top-quality legal services to indigent, vulnerable San Diegans.

OCCUPATIONAL SUMMARY:

SDVLP seeks a part-time (approximately 15 hours per week) Staff Attorney with public interest experience to join our team. The Staff Attorney hired for this position will be responsible for operating SDVLP’s Unlawful Detainer Self-Help Clinic at the Vista Courthouse on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:30am to 1:30pm. This walk-in clinic provides vital legal information to self-represented litigants in residential eviction (unlawful detainer) cases, and in limited circumstances, certain types of restraining orders. With the support of volunteers, the Staff Attorney demystifies these court processes for litigants, helping them understand what steps they can take in their case, what paperwork may need to be completed, and what to expect throughout the process. This clinic cannot offer legal advice or representation but can provide referrals to other SDVLP programs or nonprofit organizations, as appropriate.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

The Staff Attorney will be responsible for:

• Educating self-represented litigants on court rules and procedures related to landlord-tenant disputes and restraining orders; and assisting litigants with identifying court documents that may need to be filed in their case.
• Creating and maintaining up-to-date factsheets/resources for self-represented litigants.
• Developing and maintaining written training materials for clinic volunteers.
• Maintaining a strong understanding of the laws and court procedures pertaining to the topics addressed at the clinic and staying up-to-date with the latest changes.
• Identifying and distributing legal resources and referrals to self-represented litigants.
• Training and supervising pro bono attorneys, law students, and Justice Corp interns.
• Fostering and maintaining collaborative relationships with court personnel, volunteers, and other partners.
• Managing and compiling statistical data necessary for grant reports.
• Delivering services, and training pro bono attorneys on how to deliver services, through a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care framework.
• Engaging in other tasks and projects as needed to further SDVLP’s mission.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This is a part-time, onsite position based in the Vista Courthouse, requiring a minimum commitment of 15 hours per week.