The San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program (SDVLP) is a public interest law firm whose mission is to involve the private bar in the delivery of free legal services in civil matters to indigent individuals, families and groups.  Last year, SDVLP’s volunteer panel of more than 3,500 attorneys, paralegals, law students and others, provided legal assistance to more than 6,000 indigent San Diegans.  Services were directed to our community’s most vulnerable residents, including victims of domestic violence, abused and neglected children, the homeless and disabled, persons living with AIDS, disabled children needing special education services, children deprived of support, older residents who are victims of elder abuse, those deprived of basic civil rights, and other deserving poor who need legal assistance for protection and basic survival.

 This is a regular, full-time staff attorney position reporting to the managing attorney.  Minimum qualifications include: admission to practice law in California, familiarity with the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and California State laws and regulations governing special education and student rights in school discipline proceedings. The incumbent will be required to drive throughout San Diego County to interview clients and to attend school meetings.  Experience in education law and prior work with at-risk and disabled youth, particularly those in the dependency care system, is required.  Resumes submitted that do not meet these minimum qualifications will not be considered. 

 In collaboration with the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, the Education Law Attorney provides legal advocacy for foster youth in the areas of special education, school discipline, and enrollment.  The incumbent will recruit, train, and mentor both attorney and non-attorney volunteers to assist in service delivery, and will maintain an ongoing caseload of difficult and complex cases.  Essential job duties are listed below: 

 ◦              Advocate for students at Individualized Education Program   team meetings;

◦              File for due process hearings in special education matters;

◦              Represent students at school discipline hearings;

◦              Conduct community outreach and training in Education Law;

◦              Develop and maintain effective relationships with service providers for the purpose of encouraging and facilitating collaborations and referrals;

◦              Recruit, train, and mentor a panel of volunteer attorneys for cases requiring ongoing representation; 

◦              Organize, supervise and coordinate the work of legal interns.

 To apply, email a resume and three references to:                   

 kjacobs@sdvlp.org

•                                         No phone calls please

    

  SDVLP is an equal opportunity employer.  Women and persons of color are encouraged to apply.  The position is open until filled.