Overview
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.