Senior Attorney - Litigator (Health Law)

Location:  Los Angeles (preferred), Sacramento or Bay Area


For over 40 years, Western Center on Law and Poverty has been the foremost non-profit law firm advancing the interests of low-income Californians.  Our statewide efforts are geographically diverse and focused in the areas of health care, affordable housing and public benefits.  As a premier organization, we retain committed and skilled specialists to make broad systemic change through coordinated impact litigation, policy and legislative accomplishments.

Western Center offers a unique opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic attorney to join our successful and dedicated litigation and health advocacy unit.  Candidates must have substantial experience practicing in diverse forums and committed to working in a collegial and dynamic team environment.  This position is distinctive, providing the exceptional attorney an exciting opportunity to advocate on a variety of health-related poverty law issues in state and federal courts throughout the state.


Responsibilities: 

•    Engage in the development of the organization’s overall litigation and advocacy direction;

•    Design and execute innovative litigation strategies and engage in ground-breaking class action and impact litigation;

•    Work closely with legal services programs statewide to provide technical assistance and consultation, identify potential cases and provide litigation support, including co-counseling;

•    Share your expertise and provide direction in a variety of training and conference settings and with legal publications and education; and

•    Engage in the development of the strategic direction in the organization’s health care advocacy.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate for the senior attorney – litigator position has the following attributes:

•    A minimum of eight years experience litigating and advocating in diverse forums in the areas of health, public benefits and/or civil rights;

•    Excellent writing and oral communication skills;

•    Strong public speaking and outreach abilities;

•    A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and in political or potentially sensitive settings; and

•    Experience in a legal services or public interest program, or working with underrepresented populations.  Knowledge of health law issues affecting low-income populations is preferred.

Membership in the California State Bar is required at the time of hiring or within six months.  Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Western Center provides generous benefits, including substantial holiday time, to its employees.

This position is located in the Los Angeles office but we are willing to consider the exceptional candidate in the Bay Area or Sacramento area.

Applications will be accepted until November 14, 2011 or until the position is filled.  Please email cover letter, resume, two writing samples, and list of references to:

Denise Williamson, Director of Operations
Western Center on Law and Poverty
3701 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 208
Los Angeles, California 90010
(213) 235-2635
dwilliamson@wclp.org

WCLP is an equal opportunity employer.

Foundations Manager
Reports to Director of Development

The Foundations Manager oversees all aspects of Western Center’s foundation, corporate and public grants program, collaborating with the Director of Development, the Executive Director, and the advocate attorneys to identify potential funding sources, complete grant applications, maintain the grants calendar, prepare grant reports, and maintain relationships with funders.  The Foundations Manager also supports the Director of Development with various projects, including event coordination, management of Board and committee activities, marketing and PR efforts, and other areas as needed. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

1.    Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
2.    Experience in conducting research and identifying potential funders.
3.    Expertise in writing proposals, online applications and compiling kits for funders. 
4.    A proven record of producing quality work products within tight time constraints.
5.    Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with fundraising software.
6.    Minimum of 5 years’ experience, with a proven track record in successful grant writing for advocacy and policy projects
7.    Knowledge of marketing concepts and ability to assist in the creation, printing, and distribution of various materials.
8.    Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize among competing tasks while maintaining attention to detail.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.    Maintain grants schedule and utilize Donor Perfect database.
2.    Conduct ongoing research to identify new funders for Western Center’s work.
3.    Compose and submit letters of inquiry and grant applications and conduct follow up. 
4.    Work with staff and funders to develop, revise and refine grant applications.
5.    Communicate with advocates to ensure that they have a clear understanding of grant commitments.
6.    Collaborate with advocates, attorneys and accounting staff to prepare grant reports.
7.    Prepare and submit all required grant reports.
8.    Maintain the grant files in hard copy and electronic files as well as funder profiles in Donor Perfect database.
9.    Participate as a member of the Development team in other activities, including two fundraising events, marketing, public relations, branding efforts, website, social media, e-newsletter, brochure production, tribute journal and clerical activities, as needed.   
10.    Other duties as assigned by the Director of Development.

December, 2011