Staff Attorney
Company: San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
Description 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 San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program,
Inc. seeks a full-time Staff Attorney with public interest
experience to join our team. The staff attorney hired for this
position will be assigned to SDVLP’s HIV/AIDS Legal Services
Program and Family Law Program. The Staff Attorney provides
top-quality legal advice and representation to low-income San
Diegans in a variety of civil legal matters. Within the Family Law
Program, areas of assistance include domestic violence restraining
orders, child custody, and divorce cases. Within the HIV/AIDS Legal
Services Program, the Staff Attorney assists low-income clients
living with HIV/AIDS with a variety of legal matters that impact
their health, such as public benefit appeals, Social Security
disability hearings, estate planning, and disability discrimination
in housing. Our family law programs include the Vision for Justice
Collaborative, which provides family law assistance to immigrant
and refugee survivors of domestic violence, our Domestic Violence
Restraining Order Program, and our Shriver Program, which provides
legal assistance to low-income San Diegans in child custody and
domestic violence cases. The Staff Attorney will work closely with
SDVLP’s Pro Bono team and will be responsible for mentoring,
training, recruiting, and supervising the work of pro bono
attorneys representing SDVLP clients. The Staff Attorney will also
perform community outreach and education and supervise the work of
non-attorney staff and law student interns. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
The Staff Attorney will be responsible for: Representing clients in
HIV-related matters, such as Social Security disability appeals,
disability discrimination, and advance health care directives.
Advising clients in family law matters, including domestic
violence, child custody, and divorce cases. Mentoring, training,
and supervising pro bono attorneys. Recruiting new pro bono
attorney volunteers through community outreach and attendance at
networking events. Developing and maintaining written training
materials for pro bono attorneys. Maintaining a small
representation caseload within each program. Maintaining knowledge
of other legal services programs to provide targeted referrals for
issues outside the scope of SDVLP programs. Training and
supervising non-attorney staff. Managing and compiling statistical
data and assisting with the drafting of narrative reports to
funding sources. Engaging in other tasks and projects as needed to
further SDVLP’s mission. WORK ENVIRONMENT: This position is a
hybrid position requiring the ability to work on site a minimum of
2-3 days per week. Work hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30
a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; minimum 37.50-hour work week. No billable hours
requirement. SALARY & BENEFITS: SDVLP covers 100% of the premium
for employee medical insurance – eligibility for health care
coverage on the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.
Dependent coverage available. Dental, vision and life insurance
coverage. 401K retirement plan with employer match after 6 months
of employment. 15 days paid annual leave (increases to 20 days
after 2 years), 10 days paid sick leave, 16 paid holidays and other
time off programs. Opportunities for professional growth and
development. SDVLP is an eligible employer for the Public Service
Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program SDVLP is an Equal Opportunity
Employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability
(mental and physical), gender, gender expression, gender identity,
genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or
veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race,
religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding
and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, and any other
status protected by state or federal law. Qualifications Must be a
member in good standing of the California Bar. Must have excellent
written and verbal communication skills. Must have excellent
mentorship and teaching skills. Must have excellent interpersonal
skills and demonstrated ability to successfully work as part of a
team, and with the public, volunteers, court personnel, government
agencies, and partner organizations. Ability to work independently
and follow through on assignments with accuracy and minimal
direction. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as
required by events and deadlines. Excellent Word, Outlook, and
PowerPoint skills. Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income
and disadvantaged people. Ability to travel to court hearings and
SDVLP’s other offices throughout San Diego County, as necessary.
DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 1-2 years of experience,
preferred. Spanish written and speaking ability, preferred.
Keywords: San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Coachella , Staff Attorney, Legal , San Diego, California
