The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County’s Family Advocacy Program (FAP) team is seeking an attorney or law graduate to join the front lines of the affordability crisis. FAP team members help families with disabled children access education, healthcare, and critical safety net benefits that support family stability. This role will lead the expansion of benefits advocacy work into Santa Clara County, helping ensure families can access the resources they need to remain housed in an increasingly expensive region. Legal Aid SMC seeks candidates who share a commitment to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community and workplace and who value and affirm differences in race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression.

About Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County:

The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County (Legal Aid SMC) aims to ensure that the social safety net works for everyone. Their lawyers provide free civil legal services to low-income residents of San Mateo County, assisting clients in navigating complex legal systems that include immigration, public benefits, and other safety net services. Moreover, they focus on empowering clients to advocate for themselves and work towards fixing broken systems through policy changes.

Responsibilities

Advocacy: Advocate for the rights of families of children with disabilities to receive in-home supportive services (IHSS) and help families navigate the application process. Assist with appeals of negative decisions when appropriate.
Community engagement: Participate in community outreach events and regional task force meetings; conduct parent education workshops; and engage in targeted one-on-one outreach with government officials, medical providers, and organizations that serve families of children with disabilities.
Policy Advocacy: Work collaboratively with community groups to advance local and state policy that benefits low-income families.

qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

California State Bar membership, qualified for Registered Legal Services Attorney Program, or law graduate (JD)
Ability to be in office and attend in-person outreach events in Santa Clara County as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

Outstanding legal research, writing and analysis, and public speaking skills
Fluency in English and Spanish • Experience working with low-income persons and persons with disabilities
Direct service experience with individuals

Compensation

Salaried position starting at $83,500/year DOE. Full-time exempt position. Law Graduate: $41.63/hour ($75,770 annualized). Full-time non-exempt position. Benefits: Excellent benefits including up to $3,600/year law school loan repayment assistance for attorneys. $2,500 stipend for proficiency in Spanish or another language spoken by our client community.