Job Description

JOB TITLE : Temporary SBER Staff Attorney

JOB CLASSIFICATION: 1.00 FTE Full Time Exempt, temporary through 03/31/2026

SUPERVISOR: SBER Supervising Attorney

Position eligible for Remote Work : 1 day per week

Program(s): SBER

ABOUT LEGAL AID OF SONOMA COUNTY : Legal Aid of Sonoma County (LASC) has been providing legal services to low-income Sonoma County residents since 1958. Our mission is to promote social justice and advance human rights. Our primary legal services include Domestic Violence, Elder Law, Housing, Veterans’ Benefits, we also provide a range of legal services including family law and guardianship to clients referred by the County of Sonoma Human Services Department. LASC collaborates with a network of community partners including immigrant service centers, homeless service providers, local government, and senior centers.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION : Legal Aid’s SBER team provides services to small business owners and low income entrepreneurs, including advising existing business owners on general business legal issues, and advising individuals who are starting a new business.

SUMMARY : The SBER Attorney will not only represent small business owners, but will also have the opportunity to foster the growth of the SBER, which assists small business owners and micro-businesses/start-ups that previously or are currently facing adverse economic impacts.

Funding for SBER currently ends on March 31, 2026, at which point the temporary SA position is expected to be eliminated, unless additional funding is secured. The anticipated position end date is provided for your information only and is not to be construed as a contract of employment, as LASC is an ‘at will’ employer.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Legal Support for Clients:

• Provide high quality legal services to individuals and small business owners who were or are currently facing adverse economic impacts.
• Responsible for legal intakes, case assessment, review of contracts, negotiations with commercial landlords or creditors, and general legal advice on small business issues.
• Develop and facilitate clinics on legal issues relevant to small business owners facing adverse economic impacts and/or low-income entrepreneurs.
• Collaborate with SBER partners, local Chambers of Commerce, the Sonoma Small Business Development Center, Sonoma County Economic Development Board, and other partner agencies/organizations.

• General/Essential Functions: Provide legal consultations and advice to eligible individuals and small businesses in the following areas:
• Entity Formation or Dissolution
• Commercial Leases and Unlawful Detainer (evictions)
• Contracts and Business Documents
• Small business Loans and Loan Modifications
• Debtor/Creditor and Some Tax Issues
• Provide Counsel and advice in simple HR matters, compliance with regulations, and other small business issues.
• Organize and participate in regularly scheduled Outreach Workshops for small business owners in targeted population groups focused on educational/legal issues.
• Review business contracts and provide legal advice as appropriate.
• Review loan or loan modification documents and provide legal advice as appropriate.
• Assist with resolving debtor/creditor and tax issues.
• Perform ordinary functions of legal counsel providing representation in an advisory role, including legal research, formulating, and advising on legal strategy for the issue at hand, conducting client interviews, and drafting contracts and other business documents.
• Maintain confidentiality of client information as required by California law.
• Ensure entry of timely, accurate, and detailed case data into Legal Aid’s case management system and County of Sonoma’s data collection system.
• Supervise case worker and/or interns, including onboarding, skills training, daily support and coaching, review and quality assurance of work, regular check-ins, and provision of consistent and effective supervision and oversight.
• Attending regularly scheduled partner and staff meetings.
• Maintain up-to-date case notes, time reporting, and statistical records on services provided in LASC’s online client database.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Skills and Experience Required:

• Current Active member of the California Bar in good standing or pending admission
• Excellent communication skills, ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of community stakeholders, public speaking, flexibility, and teamwork required.
• Working knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office, legal forms software programs, and database programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively with great attention to detail, including timely case management and capturing of data for reports to funders.
• Ability to maintain up-to-date case notes and statistical records on services provided in the LASC client database.
• A firm commitment to accurate and timely data collection and time reporting (on bi-weekly time sheets and in the client database) is required.
• A firm commitment to Legal Aid of Sonoma County’s mission is required.
• The position requires driving, access to reliable transportation is required.
• Must pass a background check.

Skills/Experience Desired:

• Minimum one (1) year of experience practicing law.
• Litigation or administrative hearing experience. Small Business background and/or experience a plus.
• Bilingual language skills are a plus to reach LEP small business owners and low-income entrepreneurs.

BENEFITS: Legal Aid of Sonoma County provides a dynamic and supportive work environment, and an excellent benefit package after the completion of an initial 90-day introductory period. Benefits include eligibility for company paid health insurance for the employee, company paid dental insurance, eligibility to participate in a 401K plan after one year of continuous employment, and very generous paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave policies. Note the benefits package is for the employee only, LASC does not provide health or dental coverage for spouses or dependents.

Note that all employment at LASC is “at will”. LASC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

TO APPLY : Please submit a Cover Letter and Resume in response to this post. Incomplete applications will not be considered . Note the posted salary range is firm and DOE.

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