About VLI: Veterans Legal Institute (“VLI”) is a public interest law firm dedicated exclusively to Veterans and service members, and is headquartered at the Tierney Center for Veteran Services in Tustin, CA. VLI provides pro bono legal assistance to homeless, at-risk, disabled, and low income current and former service members to eradicate barriers to housing, healthcare, education, and employment while fostering self-sufficiency.

Position Title: Staff Attorney

Position Summary: VLI seeks a full-time Staff Attorney to be assigned to one of several practice areas, including assisting low-income, and homeless veterans gain access to critical income-support benefits and healthcare by submitting veteran benefits claims and appeals, discharge upgrades, or a combination of family law, expungements, civil/debt issues, SSI/SSDI issues, tenant defense, including unlawful detainers, reasonable accommodations, HOA issues, and more. Legal assistance will primarily be provided to Veteran clients in Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties The position may include attending legal clinics at various locations, and contributing to building our pro bono network so that indigent veterans can access justice and housing stability. The Staff Attorney will also lead trainings and provide technical assistance to volunteers.

Reporting to and working in close collaboration with the Managing Attorney, the Staff Attorney will handle a diverse caseload and will also be responsible for conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and appearing in court to advocate on behalf of clients.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain an active caseload and provide quality legal services to mentally ill, low-income, disabled and homeless former and active service members;
• Interview former and active service members to determine what the legal issue is and if they are eligible for VLI's services. Common areas of law primarily include unlawful detainer/eviction/housing defense, Family law, discharge upgrades, VA benefits, expungements, civil/debt issues, SSI/SSDI issues, and more;
• Participate in case review meetings to ensure that legal services provided are consistent with VLI’s mission, priorities, policies and procedures, and that they maximize office resources to provide the highest quality client service;
• Work with Managing Attorney to meet the overall goals of the organization;
• Work with and assist volunteers, including law students and pro bono attorneys, with tasks;
• Liaison with the client veteran community and represent VLI at networking events (occasional nights and weekends required);
• Staff, coordinate and supervise legal clinics and trainings on a variety of legal issues that affect veterans;
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Active membership in the California State Bar;
• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable law and community legal needs;
• Excellent written and verbal communication and organizational skills;
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff effectively at all levels of the organization;
• Good people skills and the ability to maintain positive relations with a diverse population;
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks;
• Ability to assume responsibility quickly and work independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to use good judgment, multitask, and meet deadlines;
• Experience in developing and leading trainings preferred;
• Experience working with veterans, people with disabilities, and people who are low-income and/or homeless preferred;
• Strong teaching and public speaking skills preferred;
• Previous experience in a legal services program preferred;
• Housing or family law experience a plus;
• VA Accreditation a plus;
• Experience in representing mentally ill, low-income people, special populations, or military in civil litigation or administrative proceedings a strong plus;
• Knowledge of VA or government benefits, including SSI/SSDI, a strong plus; and Military service, related military background, or military familiarity of modern issues a plus.

Position Details:

• Job Type: Full time.
• Salary: Between $66,560-$78,000 in alignment with qualifications/experience.
• Benefits: Partially-funded health & dental care, 401(k) program with company percentage match, sick and vacation time, paid State and Local Bar Fees after 90 days of employment, and paid trainings
• Location: Hybrid of in-office and remote at 1231 Warner Avenue, Tustin, CA, 92780.
• Submission deadline: Position is open until filled.

Hybrid schedule available after probationary period. This position may require trips to court and other places from time to time.

How to Apply: Send your resume and cover letter to Deputy Executive Director Katie Binkley at her email, kbinkley@vetslegal.com, with the subject: “Staff Attorney Application.”

Disclaimer: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

VLI is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, disability, marital status, or medical condition.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $66,560.00 - $78,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Tustin, CA 92780 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Tustin, CA 92780: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person