Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law
Deputy Director of Legal Services Job Announcement
General Position Description:
The Deputy Director of Legal Services (DDLS) leads the team of dedicated attorneys, client assistants and volunteers for the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law public interest firm providing direct assistance, legal education and advocacy to thousands of very low-income residents of Los Angeles County each year. Overseeing a wide and challenging variety of cases and issues, the DDLS assumes responsibility for their timely resolution and assuring quality of service.
Major Duties Include:
The position requires an individual with significant legal experience including litigation and a demonstrated commitment to teaching and nurturing other lawyers to develop their analytic skills and legal expertise. As chief lawyer and mentor, the DDLS will spend the majority of his or her time working individually and in small groups with staff lawyers on their cases to identify issues, develop strategies for resolution, command needed resources, and prepare for hearing and trials. The DDLS will provide the leadership for all operations and systems related to the delivery of services for clients and intelligent utilization of the Center's large cadre of committed volunteers. The DDLS will have a small client caseload and participate directly in the supervision of legal work conducted by volunteers.
In addition to this primary role, the DDLS will provide guidance and direction in the preparation of Center legal publications including its practice guide "Family Law Basics" and will support efforts directed to systemic reform of problems encountered by low-income family law litigants.
Educational and Experience Prerequisites:
- Admission in good standing to the California State Bar
- Significant legal experience reflecting an ability to successfully identify, analyze and resolve complex legal issues;
- Family law or related experience preferred
- Strong command of the rules of civil procedure and civil practice;
- Trial experience;
- Excellent writing and editing skills;
- Demonstrated ability to work well with and nurture lawyers for their professional growth and development;
- Superior organizational abilities
- Commitment to public interest law and delivery of services to low-income persons
- Ability to work some Saturdays, nights and travel to locations throughout LA County
Compensation:
Salary commensurate with experience; Benefits package includes health, dental, vision and long term disability insurance.
How to Apply:
Please send resume and cover letter, three professional references and a writing sample to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. No phone calls please. www.hbcfl.org
Our Mission:
We protect victims of domestic violence and improve the well-being of children living in poverty. With the help of volunteers, the Center provides free family law assistance and legal education to the poor. We strive to empower people in need and assure them meaningful access to the courts.
Our Vision:
We aspire to create a community where poverty is not a barrier to those who seek to resolve critical family law matters.
About the Center:
Founded in 1982, the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law is one of the premier non-profit providers of family law and domestic violence assistance to low-income persons in Los Angeles. The focus of the Center's efforts is on legal problems involving custody, visitation, support of children, domestic violence, and establishing parentage.
