Description POSITION: Staff Attorney
LOCATION: Ventura, California
HOURS: full-time, 40 hours/week, (exempt)
ANNUAL SALARY: $96,000 – 110,000
POSITIONS SUMMARY: Ventura County Legal Aid has two positions available. One will be filled internally and the other through an outside recruitment. Candidates are welcome to apply for either, or both, positions. See below for description of the positions. The internal candidate will take the position not filled by the new hire. In your correspondence, please let us know which position(s) you are applying for. The anticipated start date is January 2026.
Community Programs Staff Attorney: The community programs staff attorney will assist clients with a variety of legal issues. The most common practice areas are landlord/tenant disputes, UD, contract disputes and debt collection The attorney will review, assess and respond to inquiries received via our online intake form and at our walk-in clinic. The attorney will provide information and referral, advice and counsel, or representation as appropriate. The attorney will also see clients at our walk-in clinic and may occasionally serve as a clinic supervisor (e.g. open & close, supervise volunteers).
Family Justice Center Staff Attorney: The family justice center staff attorney will review, assess, and respond to referrals received from family justice center intake staff and provide information and referral, advice and counsel, or representation as appropriate. Referrals often involve allegations of elder or domestic abuse. This position may handle related family law issues (e.g. separation, custody, support) on a limited basis. The position is located within the Ventura family Justice Center.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Beginning compensation is $96,000. The position is exempt. Other benefits include court holidays, health insurance contribution, 80 hours vacation per year, 40 hours sick leave per year, and an IRA plan with employer match.
ABOUT VENTURA COUNTY LEGAL AID (VCLA): VCLA is a QLSP that provides free civil legal assistance to Ventura County residents. VCLA is dedicated to offering top-tier legal services to low-income and vulnerable residents, with the goal of promoting equal access to justice. We achieve this through direct representation, legal advice, information, and educational outreach.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- licensed to practice law in the State of California and in good standing
- SPANISH FLUENCY
- commitment to public interest law and a desire to work with underrepresented, low income, and victimized individuals
- excellent oral and written communication skills
- excellent time management skills and ability to work independently
- willing to work on a broad variety of civil cases and issues
- ability to perform excellent and thorough legal research
- excellent interpersonal skills
- flexible, willing to learn and try new things; willing to back-up other VCLA staff
- ability to perform all essential functions (listed below)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- conduct client interviews effectively and compassionately
- obtain factual information from clients
- communicate clearly and appropriately with clients regarding the status and facts of their case
- provide legal information, advice and representation
- represent VCLA clients in court and at administrative hearings
- keep records as needed in support of organizational development and fundraising
- provide legal education to the community
TO APPLY: please email a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and a list of three professional references to paulbujold@vclegalaid.org . No other type of contact, please. We will review applications promptly and continue until the position is filled. We will contact candidates moving forward to the interview process.
VCLA is committed to promoting a diverse workplace and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply. VCLA is an equal opportunity employer and refrains from discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.