Managing Attorney, Legal Services & Family Reunification

A New Way of Life Reentry Project promotes healing, power, and opportunity for formerly incarcerated people by taking a multifaceted approach to mitigating the effects of, and ultimately eliminating, mass incarceration.We provide safe housing for formerly incarcerated women, to help them get back on their feet. We offer pro bono legal services to protect the rights of formerly incarcerated people. We work to change laws and policies through advocacy and community organizing. We help impacted parents reunite with their children.

Our legal team works to empower justice-impacted individuals by providing legal advice, representation, and free legal clinics that offer expungement services. Since 2007, our legal department has provided pro bono services to assist thousands in overcoming legal barriers, opening doors to opportunities in employment, housing, education, and financial stability.

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. This is a hands-on position and requires carrying a caseload

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.

12.10.2024

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.

• 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.