Guardianship Attorney
(remote work within Kern County)
Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, Inc. (GBLA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is “to promote social change and justice by providing high-quality legal services to the low-income community.” GBLA’s service area is Kern County, California.
GBLA seeks a talented attorney to join our team and work collaboratively in the guardianship unit under the direct supervision of the Director of Litigation, Division C. GBLA assists caregivers obtain guardianship over children to prevent further exposure to domestic violence, child abuse, and neglect. GBLA assists persons at nearly every stage of a guardianship matter, from petition drafting to post- letter situations. This position offers a hybrid work location within Kern County.
The candidate must be an active member of the State Bar of California or eligible to become a Registered Legal Aid Attorney. The State Bar of California’s requirements to become a Registered Legal Aid Attorney, among others, are:
- Licensure and good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction; and
- Employment with an eligible Legal Aid Organization in California as defined by Cal. Rules of Court rule 9.45.
The ideal candidate for this position possesses extensive knowledge and experience with California guardianship law. The candidate must possess exceptional analytical, organizational, and writing skills, and strong oral and written communication abilities. A firm commitment to public interest advocacy and a proactive approach to collaborative work are essential qualities. Additionally, the ideal candidate will exhibit leadership capabilities by providing guidance and direction to colleagues as needed. Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is strongly preferred
Compensation
The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $90,109 - $104,000 per year. Any final offer depends on experience and qualifications. This position offers the opportunity to work remotely within Kern County.
To Apply
Email a cover letter, writing sample, resume, and three professional references to: hr@gbla.org or mail to GBLA, 615 California Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93304.
Benefits: Unless otherwise noted, coverage becomes effective on the first day of the month following thirty (30) days of employment.
Loan Repayment Assistance Program: (administered by CalATJ for GBLA attorneys): Tax-advantaged, monthly reimbursement (up to $1,200) for undergraduate & law school (both private & public) student loans. Annually, for the time an attorney was employed by GBLA, CalATJ may forgive the LRAP balance that was distributed to reimburse student loan payments. Designed to comply with 26 USC § 108 (f).
GBLA is a qualified employer for PSLF according to the U.S. Department of Education’s website.
Medical Insurance
Employer-paid premium for all full-time employees
HMO plan with Kaiser Permanente
Optional spouse/domestic partner/dependent coverage (employee paid)
Section 125 Plan allows pre-tax payment for optional coverage
Dental Insurance
Employer-paid premium for all full-time employees, spouses, and dependents
Delta Dental 1500 Plan
Vision Insurance
Employer-paid premium for all full-time employees, spouses, and dependents
VSP Plan
Life Insurance
Employer-paid premium for all full-time employees
Employee coverage (3x annual salary, max $500k)
Spouse coverage ($10,000)
Dependent coverage ($5,000)
Long & Short-Term Disability
Employer-paid premium for all full-time employees.
Retirement: 401k plan: annually, GBLA matches 100% of an employee’s contribution up to 5% of the employee’s compensation. Automatic enrollment and elective contribution of 2% of employee’s compensation, unless employee chooses otherwise. Automatic contribution increases annually by 1% up to 5%, after 1st plan year. All elective contributions are pre-tax unless employee elects otherwise. Service Percentage Vested: <1 year of vesting service = 0%, >1 year of vesting service = 100%. This is a recap of GBLA’s plan highlights. All plan details are disclosed as required in the Summary Plan Description document distributed upon enrollment.
Holidays
GBLA observes all judicial holidays observed by the Superior Court of California, County of Kern.
Vacation: 0 to < 2 years of employment = up to 2 weeks (7.5 hours accrued monthly)
Wellness
GBLA pays a portion of a discounted group membership to In-Shape
employees have access to Kaiser’s mental health app “Headspace.”
Professional Development
GBLA pays all annual license fees required by the State Bar of California for GBLA attorneys
GBLA pays for travel, admission, and lodging related to NITA training
GBLA pays all Kern County Bar Association membership costs
GBLA is a qualified PSLF employer, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s website.
Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer
