Employment Opportunities for Students and Alumni

Posted 5/4/2026

Paralegal

https://www.jobapscloud.com/SCRUZ/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1=26&R2=JC2&R3=02

Filling Deadline: 5/15/2026 11:59:00 PM

Salary: $6,150 - 7,783 / Month

THE JOB: The Santa Cruz County Counsel’s office is looking for a qualified and motivated paralegal to join our collegial team committed to public service. Under general supervision, this paralegal will support attorneys with multiple types of civil matters in both federal and State courts. This includes but is not limited to: conducting legal research; drafting legal documents and preparing Judicial Council forms; assisting with trial preparation; electronically calendaring and filing cases; handling projects and discovery; maintaining the law library; and performing other related duties as assigned. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential. Previous employment in a government office and/or familiarity with the Civil and Probate Codes is preferred, but not required. 

HOW TO APPLY: Apply online at www.santacruzcountyjobs.com or mail/bring an application and supplemental questionnaire to: Santa Cruz County Human Resources Department, 701 Ocean Street, Suite 510, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

For information, call (831) 454-2600. Hearing Impaired TDD/TTY: 711.  Applications will meet the final filing date if received:

1) in the Human Resources Department by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date

2) submitted online before midnight of the final filing date. 

Posted 5/4/2026

Varies job postings 

Find your county below:

https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Search/GeographicalJobSearch.aspx

Posted 5/7/26

Staff Attorney

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/27F29744E1E96E07E3891B1EBD4E309F/jobs/266606

Department/Program: Immigration
Reports to:RD Program Manager 
Job Details:Full-Time, Exempt, Salary, 
Permanent 
Benefits Eligibility:Full Time
Salary:$73,000-84,000 

Position Requirements

Driving? Required

TB Clearance? Required

FUSD, DOJ, FBI Livescan? Required

Bilingual English/Spanish? Preferred

Credentials? JD, California

Job Summary & Position Rationale

The Staff Attorney is responsible for providing direct legal representation, consultations, and case management for immigrants seeking immigration benefits. This role provides both affirmative and removal defense immigration cases, ensuring that individuals and families receive high-quality legal services to secure lawful status, work authorization, and protection under U.S. immigration law. They will represent clients with both affirmative and removal 
defense immigration needs. They will also conduct legal consultations, case assessments, and application preparation, ensuring clients receive thorough and compassionate legal assistance. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• J.D. degree with active BAR membership required (CA State Bar preferred) 
  - Current J.D. graduates with no BAR membership are encouraged to apply.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in immigration law, including experience with direct 
  representation before USCIS. 
• Experience preparing and filing affirmative immigration applications. 
• Court experience & removal defense experience preferred. 
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Case Management Systems, with strong 
  organizational and analytical skills. 
• Bilingual & Biliterate in English and Spanish, with strong legal research, writing, and client 
  advocacy skills.

Posted 5/13/26

Lawyer

• Representing a variety of legal matters
• Conducting depositions and drafting legal documents
• Identifying and collaborating with experts
• Working closely with other senior attorneys assisting with cases from inception to trial
• Contribute to fostering client relationships

• Active member in good standing with the California State Bar
• Two plus years of insurance defense experience
• Experience with litigation cases preferred
• Strong desire to learn and grow in a collaborative environment
• Trial experience a plus

• Annual salary range of $125,000 - $175,000 DOE, with bonus potential based on performance and productivity
• Comprehensive benefits package with medical, dental, vision, short-term
• and long-term disability and life insurance
• Retirement 401(K) benefits
• Continuing legal education opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative work environment

• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• 401(k)

• Monday to Friday

Posted 5/13/26

Deputy County Counsel IV

Ukiah, CA

The County of Mendocino is seeking a civil law generalist and litigator to provide legal representation, advice and counsel under the direction of the County Counsel to the County, its departments, officers, boards and commissions as well as have an understanding of and experience in juvenile dependency law. The ideal candidate will have significant experience as a general civil and/or public law litigator as well as be prepared for representing the County’s Child Protective Services Agency (CPS) in all areas related to juvenile dependency. Additionally, the candidate must have strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, a commitment to public service, and excellent legal research, writing and trial advocacy skills. Experience in the areas of employment/labor law, public resources, land use, and tort litigation is desirable. This is an at-will position requiring graduation from an accredited law school, a license to practice law in California with at least three years of experience as an attorney practicing governmental or civil law. County policy recognizes teleworking as a viable option for qualifying employees and County Counsel generally supports a mix of in-office and remote work depending on the particular departmental assignments.

 

Applications are accepted until June 2, 2026 the County Careers page at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mendocinoca

 

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County Counsel

Ukiah, CA

Under direction from the Board of Supervisors; the County Counsel provides legal advice, assistance and representation in civil legal matters to the Board of Supervisors, County Officers, all County departments and department heads, employees, special districts, various boards and commissions, and directs all activities of the County Counsel’s Office. This position is appointed to a four year term of office by the Board of Supervisors pursuant to Government Code 27641. The ideal candidate is a highly qualified individual with persuasive leadership skills who is confident in their legal advice, decisive, flexible, responsive, analytical, organized and results oriented. They will possess strong community relations skills including the ability to work collaboratively with elected and administrative officials, department heads, and other staff with a forthright, proactive, and professional manner.  They will be emotionally intelligent, ethical, and politically savvy with an ability to handle all situations with tact and professionalism. Qualified candidates will possess a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and at least five years experience in a California County Counsel’s Office, California City Attorney’s Office, or other California governmental civil law practice; or, at least 1 year experience equivalent to an Assistant County Counsel in Mendocino County.

To view the full recruitment flyer, please click here.

Applications are accepted until May 31, 2026 through the County Careers page at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mendocinoca

Posted 5/19/26

Attorney Fellow – Fellowship Proposal Invitation

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The fellow will play an integral role in the work of The Legal Aid Society.  The fellow’s specific responsibilities will depend upon the project but may include:

• Bringing impact litigation and conducting related policy advocacy in their law reform unit
• Active participation in their law reform unit’s impact litigation and advocacy agenda
• Bringing litigation and conducting advocacy in their post-conviction unit
• Active participation in their post-conviction unit’s litigation and advocacy agenda

QUALIFICATIONS

Required qualifications:

• 3L law students, judicial law clerks, and other recent law graduates eligible for fellowship funding
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent legal research, analysis and listening skills
• Ability to effectively navigate client/community concerns and communicate legal issues
• Ability to manage time and multiple tasks and deadlines
• Demonstrated commitment to low-income BIPOC communities
• Proficiency in languages other than English is desirable, but not required

Applicants will be notified via email about whether they have/have not been selected for an interview.

Preferred qualifications:  

• Additional experience that is preferred
• Insert additional knowledge, experience, or proficiencies that are preferred

SALARY AND BENEFITS 

The salary range represents a good faith estimate of the range we expect to pay for this role. The actual salary offered may vary depending on many factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.

Salary Range: $84,000

The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance, and more. Click here to read more about benefits.

Posted 5/19/26

Immigration Staff Attorney

FLSA: Exempt

Department: Immigration Legal Services

FTE: 40 hours

Supervisor: Associate Director of Immigration Legal

Services Salary & Classification: $80,000-95,000

Office Location: San Luis Obispo, CA

Position Summary

Under the Supervision of the Immigration Program Director, the Immigration Staff Attorney will provide robust direct legal representation to low-income individuals and families in the counties of Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito and San Luis Obispo in affirmative and defensive immigration matters. The services include, among others, giving general consultations representing clients before EOIR, USCIS, and California Superior Courts, networking with other community-based legal service providers in the area in advocacy efforts, and administrative duties, including data entry, client intakes, fee reconciliation, and answering phones. This position is based in San Luis Obispo but serves clients from all four counties and requires travel between the different offices. This position is also responsible for promoting agency mission, vision and values, contributing to agency planning, and representing Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Monterey in the community.  

 FUNDAMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Promote the mission of Catholic Charities through a commitment to its core values of compassion, service, justice, respect, integrity, teamwork and excellence.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Responsible for individual caseload, providing affirmative and defensive immigration services, with a primary focus on removal defense, asylum, and SIJS petitions, among other forms of benefits and/or relief.
• After determining that a client is entitled to any given immigration benefit, prepares applications or petitions with supporting evidence and represents clients before USCIS and EOIR.
• Provide support as needed to other attorneys, accredited representatives, legal assistants, and volunteers on substantive legal matters and Participate in the development of case selection criteria.
• Provides legal representation to low-income migrant children in guardianship, parentage, and custody proceedings in California Superior Courts, as well as SIJS and asylum applications before the San Francisco Immigration Court, or before USCIS.
• Works closely with partner community-based organizations and in-house social services to ensure that clients receive holistic service addressing their many needs beyond legal representation.
• Maintains proper client files and documentary evidence required to prove eligibility for legal benefits and equities under all applicable law. Maintains proper case management notes in the case management platform.
• Participates in community events (some of them on weekends) performing different tasks including but not limited to consultation, supervision, and final case review.
• Uses cultural sensitivity and awareness to develop appropriate and effective strategies to address the needs and advance the rights of vulnerable communities.
• Prepares and gives presentations on immigration legal benefits and facilitates workshops at agency, parishes, and in other community events organized by our Agency.
• Coordinate and participate in outreach efforts through existing programs and throughout an extensive network list of partners.
• Assures the delivery of quality services and adherence to policies.
• Develop and strengthen ongoing public relations to promote program and coordination of client services.
• Collaborate with agency staff to integrate services where possible to build support for all Catholic Charities clients 
• Assist Immigration Program Director with program needs and help in identifying potential process improvements
• Other duties as assigned by the Immigration Program Director and Director of Programs.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, AND KNOWLEDGE:

• J.D. degree from an accredited educational institution
• California Bar license with membership in the California Bar Association in good standing required.
• Minimum of 3 years of direct immigration law experience, working with vulnerable population of immigrants, domestic violence survivors, trafficking victims, refugees or individuals seeking asylum.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Immigration Law, Immigration Court Procedure, and Removal Defense Cases
• SIJS related work experience and experience with complex immigration cases, strongly preferred.
• Bilingual English / Spanish required.
• Ability to conduct presentations in large groups
• Ability to use independent judgment and initiative.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and with compassion and sensitivity.
• Self-motivated and able to effectively prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Must be detailed-orientated with the ability to strategize
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise good judgment. 
• Must be comfortable with frequent interruptions.
• Welcoming and friendly demeanor; appreciative and respectful of all cultures and beliefs. 
• Collaborative and able to develop, support, and maintain positive relationships.
• Flexible with schedule, able to work eveningsimmi
• General knowledge of the Principles of Catholic Social Teachings and Roman Catholic structure and the ability to apply them to practical actions.

LICENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, REGISTRATIONS:

• California Bar license (Required)
• Valid California Driver’s License, transportation and current auto insurance.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Clearance of fingerprint background check is required.
• Ability to stand and be active for 2-3 hours at a time
• Occasionally lift or move up to 25+ lbs.
• The person holding this position is considered a Mandated Reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is legally required to report any suspicion of abuse or neglect to the relevant authorities.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Comfortable office environment
• Some travel to other locations for meetings, training, etc.
• Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Catholic Charites Diocese of Monterey must provide reasonable accommodations when an employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.

HOURS AND OTHER CONDITIONS:

This is an exempt, 40 hours/week position. Occasional weekends and evenings will be required. Salary is $80,000-95,000 based on experience. Catholic Charities offers a full range of employee benefits.

Posted 5/28/26

Associate Attorney

Plumtree & Brunner LLP is a growing boutique, lifestyle, construction law firm seeking a full-time attorney with 0-3 years of experience to join our San Luis Obispo office. As a growing firm, we offer significant opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and long-term career advancement within a collaborative and lifestyle-oriented environment.

While prior construction law experience is not required, an interest in the construction industry and construction law is a bonus. Civil litigation experience is beneficial but not required.

Our practice focuses primarily on complex construction disputes, including breach of contract litigation, while also maintaining a substantial contract and advisory practice. The firm regularly advises contractors, subcontractors, developers, and business owners on risk management, construction contracts and negotiation, project administration, claim avoidance, and day-to-day legal issues that arise during the course of construction projects.

Associate attorneys at Plumtree & Brunner LLP work closely with the partners to manage matters from inception through resolution and are given meaningful responsibility early in their careers. Associates are actively involved in litigation strategy, contract drafting and analysis, client counseling, negotiations, and dispute resolution, with the support of experienced attorneys and paralegals.

Our firm takes pride in fostering a highly collaborative atmosphere that encourages teamwork, mentorship, and the free exchange of ideas, which produces excellent results for our clients. To support this team atmosphere, our firm engages in regular strategy sessions that include both partners and associates, has monthly themed lunches for all employees, and throws a voluntary Christmas party where spouses/partners are encouraged to attend. Lodging and travel, along with several meals and one group activity, is paid for by the firm.

The firm remains at the forefront of developments in construction law through active participation in industry organizations, continuing legal education, and legislative and lobbying activities affecting the construction industry. We pay for CLE classes to educate our attorneys on construction law and civil procedure laws that directly affect the practice of law at our firm.

Duties:

- Managing cases from start to finish under the guidance of a partner and support of a paralegal

- Conducting legal research and presenting arguments

- Negotiating settlements and contracts on behalf of clients

- Providing legal advice and guidance to clients

- Preparing legal documents, including pleadings and motions

- Attending court hearings, depositions, trials, and other legal proceedings

- Collaborating with other attorneys and legal professionals on case strategy and preparation

- Maintaining accurate and organized case files

 

Benefits

-Health Insurance

-401K with matching

-Billable Bonus Structure

-Firm-paid CLE and professional development opportunities

Salary: $90,000- $110,000 based on experience and qualifications.

Minimum billable requirements: 1800.

Qualifications:

- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school

- Admitted to practice law in California

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills

- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously

- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills

- Proficient in legal research tools and software