Employment Opportunities for Students and Alumni

Posted 4/28/26

Staff Attorney

https://www.indeed.com/job/staff-attorney-43bd2737b01d82ed

Posted 4/28/26

SPANISH-SPEAKING ENTRY-LEVEL ATTORNEY

Pay: $90,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience

Job description:
Our law firm is actively seeking a self-motivated, detail-oriented attorney with 1–3 years of experience and fluency in Spanish to join our team at our Salinas office. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an attorney to grow their career in estate planning, real estate litigation, and construction law. Training and mentorship are provided to help you develop in each of these practice areas.

This position is based in our Salinas location, which operates as a satellite office. The managing attorney is not on-site daily, so we are looking for someone who can work independently, manage their own caseload, and meet deadlines without close day-to-day supervision. The right candidate is a self-starter with strong attention to detail — someone who is comfortable asking
for direction when needed, but equally comfortable working autonomously with a team that is primarily available online. You should be able to flag issues early, prioritize your own workload,
and follow through on assignments from start to finish.

Our firm places a strong emphasis on networking and community engagement. We are deeply committed to building connections within the community and providing support to the Spanish-
speaking population through low-fee and pro bono work. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about networking, contributing to community initiatives, and collaborating closely with the managing attorney remotely and in person as needed.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid vacation, paid holidays, health insurance, vision, and dental coverage. We also cover bar dues and networking expenses,
ensuring our attorneys have the resources they need to excel in their careers while making a positive impact in the community.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in client consultations and management, assisting in the development and execution of estate plans.
• Engage in all aspects of litigation cases, including real estate disputes and construction law matters, from inception to resolution.
• Draft legal documents such as demands, motions, and responses to discovery requests.
• Conduct thorough legal research, analyze documents, and provide comprehensive findings to senior attorneys for strategic decision-making.
• Effectively communicate with clients, courts, and opposing counsel to ensure smooth case progression and representation of client interests.
• Appear in court as necessary to represent clients in hearings, motions, and other proceedings.
• Collaborate closely with team members to meet deadlines and achieve successful outcomes for clients.
• Assume additional responsibilities as assigned, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the legal team.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-Accredited law school. We will consider candidates awaiting their bar results.
• Must be fluent in Spanish. Please do not apply if you are not fluent in Spanish.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively.
• Detail-oriented with strong prioritization skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite and other relevant software.
• Ability to work a regular Monday to Friday schedule on-site in our Oxnard office.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including paid vacation, paid holidays, vision, dental, and health insurance.
• Retirement plan.
• Generous bonus structure.
• Networking stipend.
• Professional development opportunities through mentorship and networking.

Please submit your resume and writing sample to nancy@ndmendezlaw.com. Please do not call the office.

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Salinas, CA 93915

Posted 4/28/26

Generalist Education Attorney -  Monterey

https://www.lozanosmith.com/docs/jobs/mon5.pdf

Litigation Attorney - Monterey

https://www.lozanosmith.com/docs/jobs/mon5.pdf

Municipal/General Public Agency Attorney - Monterey

https://www.lozanosmith.com/docs/jobs/mon1.pdf

Posted 5/1/26

The law office of James F. DeMartini is looking for an Associate Litigation Attorney to join their well-established firm in Cloverdale, CA.

For nearly 50 years, they have provided trusted legal guidance to generations of clients who value their approachable style and commitment to delivering high-quality representation without losing the warmth of a small hometown practice.

As Cloverdale’s only full-time, full-service law firm, their practice areas include personal injury, business services and employment law, employment discrimination, real estate, estate planning,
probate and trust administration, and wine industry compliance.

About Cloverdale
Located just 90 miles north of the Golden Gate in Sonoma County’s beautiful wine country, Cloverdale offers a supportive small-town environment where relationships matter, and your work is visible, and your evenings and weekends can truly be your own.

Close to both the Russian River and Lake Sonoma, its commute-friendly location offers convenient access to nearby vineyards, open spaces, and weekend adventures in every direction. With room to breathe, Cloverdale offers a calmer pace, fewer crowds, and a community atmosphere that’s easy to plug into.

About the job
This full-time on-site position is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who wants meaningful courtroom experience, mentorship from seasoned attorneys, and the chance to build a career within a supportive, close-knit environment.

Job Duties:
• Draft pleadings, motions, memoranda, and correspondence
• Conduct legal research and assist with all phases of civil litigation
• Represent clients at hearings, depositions, and other court proceedings
• Maintain strong client relationships built on trust and clear communication
• Collaborate collegially in a team-oriented environment

Candidate Requirements:
• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in the State of California
• Member in good standing of the California Bar Association
• 2–5 years’ litigation experience preferred
⚫ Motivated new attorneys will be considered
• Excellent writing, analytical, and advocacy skills
• A personable, community-minded approach to client service

Compensation:
Starting salary of $125k with unlimited growth and equity potential available. Benefits after a 3-month probationary period.
If you are interested in joining the law firm of James F. DeMartini, please forward your resume and cover letter to MaryJo@NorCalJobs.com. No phone calls, please.

Posted 5/1/26

Retirement Staff Attorney
Salary: $151,879.72 - $184,605.76 Annually
Closing Date:  5/12/2026

The Sonoma County Employees' Retirement Association (SCERA) is hiring a Retirement Staff Attorney!  The Retirement Staff Attorney provides legal advice and counsel to SCERA staff regarding the administration of retirement benefits and the interpretation of retirement laws. They are a key member of SCERA’s management team, supporting disability retirement and benefit appeal cases. This position collaborates closely with Member Services and works directly with the Board of Retirement and external partners.

While not a supervisory role, it offers significant influence in case strategy and organizational planning. Additional responsibilities include:
•  Providing legal advice on retirement benefit administration and interpretation of applicable laws
•  Researching and applying federal and state laws impacting public pension systems, including County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 (CERL), Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), and disability retirement law
•  Preparing legal documents and representing SCERA in administrative hearings and related court proceedings
•  Analyzing medical, employment, and system records to support disability retirement and benefit appeal determinations
•  Advising the Board of Retirement, collaborating with Member Services on case strategy, and supporting organizational planning
•  Consulting with the Assistant Chief Executive Officer/Chief Legal Counsel on complex matters to ensure alignment with organizational policies and legal strategy

As the ideal candidate to join the SCERA team, you will demonstrate strong strategic and creative thinking abilities. While not mandatory, experience practicing law within a public agency, administrative, or governmental environment is highly desirable. Additionally, you will possess many of the following:
•  The ability to interpret and apply public pension and retirement law, including CERL, PEPRA, and other public agency statutes, such as relevant provisions of the Labor Code or the Brown Act
•  Experience preparing and presenting cases in administrative hearings, mediations, or litigation, including analysis of medical and employment records for disability-related matters
•  The ability to advise government agencies or boards and communicate complex information in a clear, compelling manner
•  Strong legal research and writing abilities, including using major research tools and producing well-crafted memoranda, briefs, motions, and hearing documents
•  Analytical skills to interpret complex statutes, case law, medical evidence, and large volumes of documentation

What We Offer
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits*, including:

•  Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
•  Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
•  Staff Development/Wellness - Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities
•  County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
•  Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
•  Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
•  Incentive Retirement Savings Plan (IRSP) and 457 Voluntary Deferred Compensation - 3% of salary County contribution to a 401(a), in addition to the County matching up to 1% of base salary in a 401(a), based upon employee contribution
•  Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
•  Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
•  Additional Benefits: Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
•  Student Loan Debt Relief – County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

Learn more and apply:  https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sonoma/jobs/5302821/retirement-staff-attorney

*Salary is negotiable within the established range for the position, and benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. For more information, including minimum qualifications, & to apply, visit www. yourpath2sonomacounty.org or call 707-565-2331. The County of Sonoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to having a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve.

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.