Managing Attorney, Legal Services & Family Reunification

Department: Legal & Family Reunification

Reports to: Co-Directors

Location: DOORS, Montebello, & S. Central, CA (On-site)

The Managing Attorney will lead the Legal and Family Reunification Departments at A New

Way of Life Reentry Project (ANWOL), overseeing legal services, advocacy, and policy

efforts to support reentry and family reunification for justice-impacted individuals. This role

involves 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, including filing petitions to modify juvenile closing orders.
• File petitions to terminate legal guardianship of the children of previously incarcerated parents or respond to petitions to appoint legal guardians of children in Probate Court.
• Advocate at Criminal and Dependency Court hearings on behalf of previously incarcerated parents to provide support for clients throughout their cases.
• 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.
• Other duties as assigned

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.

Proficiency in English is required.

Bilingual candidates (English/Spanish) are strongly preferred to effectively communicate with diverse populations and meet the needs of the clients.