Elder Law Attorney

Position: Elder Law Attorney

Reports to: Supervising Team Lead Attorney, Executive Director

Status: 1.00 FTE Exempt

Salary Range: $73,000 – $100,000 annually, depending on years of active Bar experience.

Legal Aid of Sonoma County (LASC) is hiring an Elder Law Attorney (ELA). The ELA will be based at LASC’s Santa Rosa office and will also provide mobile legal services at outreach sites and senior centers in outlying areas of the county, and via scheduled in-home visits to serve clients with limited mobility or transportation issues.

The ELA will provide consultation, advice and representation to eligible elder adults (age 60+) in Sonoma County. Legal topics addressed may include elder abuse and civil harassment protective orders, public benefits assistance, rental and mobile home park housing issues, elder financial abuse, powers of attorney, and simple estate planning. The ELA will work with affiliate program staff as well as LASC’s network of community partners, including Adult Protective Services (APS), to coordinate services to seniors. Services provided include one-on-one assistance with pleadings, legal advice and information, and in-court representation. The ELA has a moderate to heavy case load, with frequent court appearances in the Elder Protection court and/or the Civil court.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Client Services

1. Conduct comprehensive legal needs assessments, provide information and brief advice.

2. Provide informed and appropriate legal and non-legal referrals to other community services.

3. Prepare pleadings, declarations, demand letters, simple estate planning documents, and other forms and letters as needed.

4. Represent clients in court.

5. Conduct community outreach and education workshops, clinics, and community education presentations to help seniors know their legal rights.

General Operations

1. Assist clients with program specific Elder Intake forms, complete accurate Elder demographic data collection, and assist with summary data for periodic program reports to funders. Maintain up-to-date case notes, time reporting, and statistical records on services provided in LASC’s online client database.

2. Attend ongoing bi-weekly, monthly and regularly scheduled meetings with both LASC staff and partner organizations; including community meetings sponsored by APS, the Elder Justice Coalition, and the Area Agency on Aging (AAA).

3. Work with Project partners to ensure smooth operations.

4. This is not a remote position; services are provided in person at the LASC office in Santa Rosa, CA or at designated Sonoma County outreach sites during normal business hours.

5. This position is full time exempt. Exempt employees are expected to work the standard Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM work schedule. Their schedule may be adjusted as needed to meet the needs of the role which may include meetings or events outside of regular business hours / established standard work schedules. Local Travel to offsite meetings or events is typical for this position.

6. Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

· Litigation or administrative hearing experience.

· Excellent communication skills, ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of community stakeholders, flexibility, and teamwork required.

· Working knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office, legal forms software, and database programs.

· Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively with great attention to detail, including timely case management and a commitment to accurate and on time data and time keeping reporting (on bi-weekly time sheets and in the LASC database) is required.

· At least 2 years demonstrated successful experience in providing direct legal services to clients.

· Proficient in MS Office Suite and Database applications.

· This position requires driving to offsite meetings and events, a valid CA Driver’s License, and access to a reliable vehicle with current proof of automobile insurance is required.

· All applicants must abide by LASC’s current COVID related and security protocols.

Experience Desired, but not Required:

· Previous Elder Law experience with an understanding of the special needs of seniors strongly preferred.

· Previous experience in legal services and/or demonstrated commitment to public interest law work.

· Bilingual in English/Spanish.

Education Required: Juris Doctorate and current active membership in the California Bar

Benefits: Legal Aid of Sonoma County provides a dynamic and supportive work environment, and an excellent benefit package after the completion of an initial 90-day introductory period. Benefits include eligibility for company paid health insurance for the employee or cash-in-lieu, company paid dental insurance, eligibility for 401K participation after one year of continuous employment, and very generous paid vacation/sick/holiday leave policies. Note the benefits package is for the employee only, LASC does not provide health or dental coverage for spouses or dependents.

Note that employment at LASC is “at will” and completion of the introductory period does not create an employment contract.

TO APPLY: Please submit a Cover Letter and Resume by email to Sunny Noh, Executive Director, snoh@legalaidsc.com. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Note the posted salary range is firm and DOE.

Legal Aid of Sonoma County is an equal opportunity employer.