Managing Attorney, Legal Services & Family Reunification

A New Way of Life Reentry Project (ANWOL) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Managing Attorney to lead its Legal and Family Reunification Departments. The Managing Attorney will oversee legal services, advocacy, and policy efforts designed to support reentry and family reunification for justice-impacted individuals. This role will involve managing a team of attorneys and support staff, directing litigation efforts, and fostering strategic partnerships with courts, community organizations, and policymakers.

Primary Responsibilities

Family Reunification Leadership

• Provide direct pro bono legal representation to clients in Family and Probate Court.
• File or respond to petitions to modify physical and/or legal custody rights and/or visitation rights in Family Court on behalf of previously incarcerated parents.
• File petitions to terminate legal guardianship of children or respond to petitions to appoint legal guardians of children in Probate Court.
• Advocate at Criminal and Dependency Court hearings on behalf of incarcerated parents.
• Conduct client interviews, collect evidence, and develop case materials related to parental rights.
• Supervise staff attorneys, social workers, and visitation monitors in the Family Reunification Department.
• Facilitate partnerships with Dependency Court, DCFS, and other stakeholders to support clients' family reunification efforts.
• Assist in expanding ANWOL’s family reunification model to other states.

Legal Department Leadership

• Coordinate the Legal Department’s efforts in litigation, sentence reduction, and impact litigation.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of contracts.
• Collaborate with the Advocacy Department to support legal research and analysis for policy efforts.
• Manage relationships with outside legal counsel, including pro bono support.

Policy and Advocacy Coordination

• Work with inter-departmental teams to align legal efforts with advocacy goals.
• Assist in building relationships with policymakers and stakeholders to advance reentry and family reunification policies.
• Publish articles, opinion pieces, and thought leadership on family reunification and reentry issues.

Team Collaboration and Development

• Foster teamwork across departments by facilitating regular inter-departmental meetings.
• Mentor and supervise legal staff, ensuring professional growth and adherence to ANWOL’s mission.
• Develop and implement department strategies to improve service delivery and client outcomes.

Qualifications

• J.D. and admission with the California Bar.
• 10+ years of legal experience, including nonprofit advising and litigation in Family and/or Probate Court.
• Familiarity with Dependency Court and child welfare systems.
• Proven leadership skills with 5+ years of supervisory experience.
• Experience working with individuals impacted by the criminal justice or child welfare systems.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and innovate interdisciplinary legal solutions.
• Regular access to a personal vehicle for court visits and community events.