Position: Civil-Legal Advocate
Prepared By: Lisa Mantarro Moore
Reports to: Attorney
Revision Date: 6/1/2026
Position’s Primary Purpose:
· The Civil-Legal Advocate will provide direct no-cost holistic legal assistance to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, child abuse, elder abuse and/or human trafficking.
Expected Outcomes or Key Accountabilities for the Position:
· Screen victims for legal services and completing legal intake with victims;
· Assist with safety planning by referring victims to appropriate SFJC partner;
· Provide limited legal services on the matters stated above, including preparing restraining orders and other related legal documents;
· Assemble legal documents for filing with the court, and when necessary, file documents with the Civil/Family Law Clerk’s Office and pick-up documents in the SFJC drop file;
· Record or document all statistical data in a timely manner;
· Refer clients to the Attorney as needed for legal services that the Civil-Legal Advocate cannot provide.
Competencies Needed:
· The ability to:
- Exhibit technical and professional expertise and decorum;
- Solve problems and analyze difficult or challenging issues;
- Take initiative to evaluate and streamline processes;
- Communicate effectively in both specific and broad terms;
- Develop and maintain good relationships;
- Collaborate, foster and encourage teamwork;
- Provide services to, and work with, a diverse population;
Trained Skills Needed:
· Basic legal concepts, terminology, principles, rules, and procedures;
· Document preparation techniques, including correcting spelling, grammar and punctuation when preparing the victim’s statement;
· Standard office procedures and equipment;
· Filing techniques and procedures;
· Basic understanding of family law, civil law, criminal law, and rules of civil and criminal procedure;
· Strong verbal, writing (in English), and organizational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines;
· Proficient in Word, Excel and other computer programs and Internet;
· Ability to multi-task, prioritize staff requests, and set expectations;
· Ability to handle confidential material;
· Ability to communicate in crisis situations;
· Meticulous attention to detail;
· Self-sufficient and resourceful;
· Strong customer focus with interpersonal, teamwork, and problem solving skills.
Education/Experience Needed:
Required
· Possess a High School Diploma or GED Certificate.
Desirable
· 1-2 years of experience as a Legal Clerk/Secretary for a law firm, government or non-profit association practicing Family Law, including experience in interviewing clients and completing various Judicial Council forms related to Family Law and Civil matters, in particular, Temporary Restraining Orders;
· Bi-lingual in Spanish – reading and writing.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $19.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Language:
Work Location: In person
