Plays a critical role in directly impacting individuals’ access to employment, housing, and occupational opportunities by removing the barriers created by past convictions. This position is vital to advancing Root & Rebound’s mission of supporting individuals navigating the reentry process and reducing the harmful effects of mass incarceration.

Commitment:

• Full-time position, starting immediately. 

Key Responsibilities & Duties:

• Supervision & Management: 
  • Supervise Sr. Paralegal and attorneys (also focused primarily on record cleaning) to ensure they are providing timely, equitable, and accurate record cleaning legal services. 
  • Lead the “record cleaning” team of volunteers and staff members to ensure efficient and high quality record cleaning services for R&R’s clients across CA.
  • Ensure all CA legal ethics responsibilities are met, including confidentiality, timeliness, competence, and appropriate management of case files. 
    • Ensure all client information is handled with the upmost confidentiality and in compliance with privacy laws, including protecting, sensitive case details, personal data, and legal documentation.
    • Maintain organized case files, ensuring physical and electronic files are properly labeled, stored and easily accessible by authorized staff only.
    • Maintain file integrity by regularly review and update case files to ensure all necessary documents are properly filed and that the files are completely accurate and up to date.
• Direct Legal Services:
  • Supervise our intake-hotline and legal clinics with an emphasis on record cleaning cases.
  • Provide Know-Your-Rights training and develop factsheets on topics such as record cleaning.
  • Provide analysis of conviction histories for record cleaning eligibility, and advise clients on the impacts of record cleaning for their personal goals.
  • Provide court representation for other record cleaning cases as needed, based on factors including staff capacity, budget, legal complications, and client and conviction factors (including 1203.41 & 1203.4b petitions).
  • As available, carry a small caseload of non-record cleaning cases.

Qualifications:

• Licensed in good standing as a California Attorney
• 2-4 years experience working as an attorney, working directly with clients and in court representation. Direct experience working with people with records and/or in reentry preferred. 
• At least 1 year of supervision experience;
• A demonstrated commitment to social, racial, and criminal justice issues.
• Eligibility or pending eligibility to practice law in California (California Bar membership, Multijurisdictional Practice, or Supervised Provisional Licensure).
• An understanding of or a willingness to learn from individuals with system involvement.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to clearly and proactively interact with diverse audiences.
• Willingness to travel across the Bay Area and Northern California, including rural communities. 
• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity and social justice.
• Eagerness to take initiative, solve intricate problems, work on multiple projects simultaneously, and prioritize and organize in a deadline-driven environment.
• Positive, professional, and humble attitude.
• Strong work ethic, resilience, and determination.
• Proactive communicator and team builder.
• Flexible and able to prioritize work effectively with excellent time management.
• Creative, enthusiastic, and willing to learn and try new things.

Commitment & Values:

• Deep commitment to racial equity, social justice, and the mission of supporting individuals navigating reentry and addressing the harms of mass incarceration.
• Proven ability to model behavior consistent with Root & Rebound’s mission, values, and vision.
• Commitment to continuous learning, including anti-racist and race equity practices.

Attributes:

• Self-directed, well-organized, and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Positive, professional, and humble attitude with a strong work ethic, resilience, and determination.
• Proactive communicator and team builder, able to engage and relate to people at all levels.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to work in environments with ambiguity and changing priorities.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with an eagerness to try new ideas and innovate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in Spanish
• individuals with lived experience of incarceration of system involvement are encouraged to apply

Compensation & Benefits:

• This position will begin as a full-time position with a competitive salary of $80,000-88,000 annualized and employment benefits that include medical, vision, and dental care, plus 15 days PTO and additional holiday closures. Employees who are fluent in Spanish receive an additional $2,000/year. 

Application Instructions:

• To apply for this position, please upload a resume, cover letter (including interest in working for Root & Rebound), one short writing sample (max. 10 pages), and at least three references (explaining your professional relationship and including their contact information) to the Root & Rebound form, linked here. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.

*****************

Root & Rebound is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including formerly incarcerated and/or system-involved individuals.  We look at each applicant’s full experience and consider each applicant.  We encourage people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system and its impacts are strongly encouraged to apply. We depend on a diverse team to accomplish our mission!