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 empower and build the leadership skills of formerly incarcerated people; we hire formerly incarcerated people; and we provide cutting-edge organizational leadership that promotes resources for disenfranchised people living in communities that have been marginalized. 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 Vision- We envision a world where everyone is valued and systems of oppression are eliminated.

Our Mission- Empower communities with opportunity where justice impacted women heal, excel, and lead while disrupting systems of oppression and harm.

Position Overview

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 visitation rights in Family Court on behalf of previously incarcerated parents, including petitions to modify juvenile closing orders.

* File petitions to terminate legal guardianship of children of previously incarcerated parents or respond to petitions to appoint legal guardians in Probate Court.

* Advocate at Criminal and Dependency Court hearings on behalf of previously incarcerated parents and provide support 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.