Description
Loyola Law School's Center for Juvenile Law & Policy seeks a supervising attorney for the Juvenile Justice Clinic.
The incumbent will be expected to supervise and direct certified law students representing youth in Los Angeles County juvenile delinquency courts.
The Center for Juvenile Law and Policy (CJLP) houses four live-client in-house clinics providing direct representation. As part of the CJLP, the Juvenile Justice Clinic provides free legal services to children and young people in Los Angeles County delinquency courts while providing law students with a vital skill set and the opportunity to practice in the public interest. The JJC works collaboratively with community-based organization, all CJLP clinics, the Loyola Immigrant Justice Clinic, and other Juvenile Justice stakeholders throughout the country. We utilize a holistic model, rooted in participatory defense to reduce recidivism and reach stability for each client and their support systems.
Position Specific Responsibilities/Accountabilities
Consistent with the Juvenile Justice Clinic’s mission, described below, the position will include the following specific responsibilities/accountabilities:
Responsible for working together with the Clinic Director to ensure the effective management of the JJC and to support JJC fundraising and communications efforts.
Supervise clinic students’ work representing clients, including supervising certified law students in court appearances.
Thoroughly prepare certified law students in a timely manner before client/family meetings, meetings with juvenile justice partners, and court appearances.
Represent youth in the Los Angeles County delinquency courts including communication with clients, litigation, attendance at court hearings, and vigorous post-disposition advocacy. During periods of student absence, the supervising attorney will be entirely or partially responsible for representation of clinic clients.
Co-teach, with the Clinic Director, the required courses of the Juvenile Justice Clinic.
Work with the Clinic Director to build and foster the clinic’s relationships with the community.
Other duties as assigned or requested.
This position is a full-time, year-round position located on the Loyola Law School Campus. This position requires driving to court, client homes, schools, etc. Some evening and occasional weekend hours will be required.
Requirements
Loyola Marymount University Expectations
Exhibit behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the university. Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct. Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service.
Requisite Qualifications
Candidates must have a JD Degree and must have been licensed to practice in California for at least two years, as this is a requirement to be able to supervise certified law students. Incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of regulation/policy changes.
Minimum 2 years of experience related to indigent defense and juvenile justice, including bench and jury trial experience (will consider law school clinical experience).
Ability to mentor, supervise, and train law students in an in-house clinical program. Prior teaching and/or student supervision experience is preferred.
Outstanding trial and lawyering skills
Exemplary communication skills (both written and oral), especially in working with large holistic teams.
Candidates should demonstrate tenacity and dedication, and a successful track record of working effectively with diverse and vulnerable client populations, and a demonstrated commitment to social justice.
Strong organizational and time management skills are essential.
Professionalism is paramount, including an ability to manage multiple tasks, work independently, and seek guidance when appropriate.
Spanish speaking ability is preferred.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.
JJC Mission Statement:
The Juvenile Justice Clinic at Loyola Marymount Law School provides holistic, client-centered advocacy for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. We join with movements that challenge institutionalized racism on all levels and seek to dismantle the systems that perpetuate it. We unequivocally stand with the Black Lives Matter movement in the fight against all systems which continue to oppress Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. We continually hold ourselves accountable to our clients, to dismantling the unjust system, and to affirming the value of every individual we represent. In doing so, we are guided by three core principles:
Providing holistic, client-centered representation. Our team of social workers, certified law students, and attorneys advocate for dignified solutions that meet our client’s stated interests.
Being conscious of the community we are serving. Our understanding that kids are fundamentally different from adults and face hardships unique to their developmental stage drives how we represent our clients.
Zealously advocate for every juvenile client. Every member of our team vows to decenter themselves and challenge their implicit biases. The clinic trains future generations of defenders to celebrate and honor young people and fight for our communities.
The Juvenile Justice Clinic commits to breaking down barriers to justice and liberating all youth from the shackles of the criminal legal system.
To Apply: Applicants must submit
Cover letter describing the applicant’s relevant experience, interest in clinical supervision and an explanation of how the position fits within the applicant’s professional goals;
Resume;
Writing sample of 10 – 15 pages; and
A list of three professional references.
Applications missing any components will not be considered.
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
