Elder Rights/CARE Court Attorney

At the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County (Legal Aid SMC), we use the law to ensure that the social safety net works for everyone. We do this by representing clients as they navigate complex legal systems, empowering people to advocate for themselves, and fixing broken systems through policy change.

Legal Aid SMC seeks a dedicated public interest lawyer to work with our Senior Advocates team to protect the rights of older adults and adults with disabilities. As a staff attorney, you will help older adults experiencing abuse, support clients with SSI denials, and represent individuals at their CARE Court hearings. We are looking for a motivated and organized attorney who is dedicated to advocating for a diverse, low-income client population. The right candidate is someone who can prioritize multiple demands and execute tasks efficiently, demonstrates excellent client relations, works well on a collaborative team, and is committed to social justice.

Legal Aid SMC seeks candidates who share our aspirations for a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We are committed to affirming differences in race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression.

Responsibilities:

• Client Services – Advise and represent older adults in elder abuse and Social Security/SSI cases. Assist with legal clinics addressing elder rights issues. Advise and represent individuals in CARE Court.
• Community Outreach and Training – Provide outreach and education about elder rights issues to older adults and community agencies who serve them.

Required:

• Excellent analytical, writing, public speaking, and communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law
• Ability to drive with access to a vehicle
• Ability to be in office and make in-person appearances as needed
• California State Bar Membership

Preferred:

• Proficiency in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or Tagalog

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $81,000 – $120,000/year DOE.  

Full-time exempt position.

Benefits: Excellent benefits including up to $3,600/year law school loan repayment assistance. $2,500 stipend for proficiency in Spanish or another language spoken by our client community.

Hybrid Workplace: Legal Aid SMC is a hybrid workplace. Work schedules and locations are determined by client needs, organizational needs, workload demands, and personal preferences. All employees are expected to reside in California and attend periodic team or all staff gatherings (1-2 per month). This position is expected to work at least two days per week in our Redwood City office or other San Mateo County location to meet with clients, appear in court, attend meetings, and deliver outreach presentations. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to work in the office.

To Apply: Email your resume, writing sample and cover letter explaining your interest and how you meet the qualifications to jobs@legalaidsmc.org.

Legal Aid SMC is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Persons of color, persons with disabilities, immigrants, older adults, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.