EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
We are looking for committed and passionate advocates for San Diego’s children and foster youth.
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If you are interested in applying to any of the positions listed below, please submit your resume in a PDF ATTACHMENT ONLY TO BE CONSIDERED.
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Thank you for your interest in CLSSD.
We will contact you if we would like to schedule an interview.
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CURRENT OPEN POSITIONS
Children's Legal Services of San Diego, Inc. (CLSSD) is a nonprofit public benefit corporation, which advocates for children and youth who are the subject of abuse and neglect proceedings in the San Diego County juvenile dependency court system. CLSSD is dedicated to high quality, comprehensive legal representation. Our firms are court-appointed to represent both minors and non-minor dependents in Juvenile Dependency Courts in San Diego County. At CLS, diversity, in the fullest sense of the word, which includes not only race and ethnicity, but also gender, sexual orientation, age, lifestyle, and abilities, is valued. Diverse individuals and individuals who have lived experience in the child welfare, juvenile justice, or youth homelessness systems are strongly encouraged to apply.
POST BAR LAW CLERK
CLSSD, located in the Kearny Mesa, is seeking a Post Bar Law Clerk. The Post Bar Law Clerk will work under the supervision of an experienced CLSSD attorney. The Post Bar Law Clerk will have the opportunity to directly represent CLSSD’s clients in all aspects of their dependency court proceedings. This is a 12-week position beginning in August 2026. Upon passage of the July 2026 Exam and admission to the California State Bar, the Post Bar Law Clerk will be considered for, but not guaranteed, employment with CLSSD if there are available positions.
TO APPLY, PLEASE SEND THE FOLLOWING APPLICATION MATERIALS TO CAROL.LEON@CLSSANDIEGO.ORG
• COVER LETTER
• RESUME
• UNOFFICIAL LAW SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT
• CLSSD SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION
Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Incomplete applications may not be reviewed.
Post Bar Supplemental Questions
Post Bar Law Clerk
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
SUMMER 2026 INTERNSHIP
​​​​​​​​​​​​CLSSD, located in the Kearny Mesa area of San Diego, is seeking summer law student Interns. The law student Internship is under the supervision of an experienced CLSSD attorney. The Intern will have the opportunity to work directly with our team to represent CLSSD’s clients in all aspects of their dependency court proceedings. This is a summer position from June – August. The position, length of internships and compensation are subject to funding from the Judicial Council of California. If funded, it is anticipated interns will work 24 - 30 hours per week for a 10-week period and be compensated at the hourly rate of $20 per hour.
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Questions should be directed to Karen Prosek, Director of Legal Services, KarenP@clssandiego.org
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TO APPLY, PLEASE SEND THE FOLLOWING APPLICATION MATERIALS TO CAROL.LEON@CLSSANDIEGO.ORG
• COVER LETTER
• RESUME
• UNOFFICIAL LAW SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT
• CLSSD SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION
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LEGAL INTERNSHIPS
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The primary duties of the law student Internship include, but are not limited to:
• 12-hour Dependency Law training
• Participate in supervised practical training and provide support to the firm
• Weekly court observation
• If client consents, make court appearances
• Assist attorneys with creating effective case strategy, including interviewing witnesses, drafting oral arguments, reviewing evidence, and writing motions
• Communicate with clients in child-friendly, age-appropriate ways – exercising best practices in discussing sensitive/traumatic topics
• Conduct legal research
• Practice a holistic model of client representation, considering factors including an analysis of their client’s mental health, educational needs, emotional development, important relationships, and cultural roots
• Assist with communication with caregivers, social workers, and dependency counsel to obtain case plan and visitation progress on cases involving infants and toddlers
• Develop expertise in child-friendly, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive, interviewing skills;
• Participate in ongoing training to ensure a deep understanding of relevant local, state, and federal statutes, case law, and legal obligations under the California Welfare and Institutions Code
• Comply with the Rules of Professional Conduct and all other authority regarding legal ethics
• Perform other duties as assigned or required
• Attend and actively participate in all meetings held by Judicial Council
Qualifications:
• Applicants must currently be enrolled in an accredited law school
• Be eligible and willing to work as a certified law student through the California State Bar Practical Training of Law Students Program (PTLS). This includes ability to maintain PTLS certification pursuant California Rules of Court, Rule 9.42 and Rules of the State Bar, Title 3, Division 1, Chapter 1
• The ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information
• The ability to understand new concepts and apply them accurately
• The ability to follow general and detailed instructions as well as organizational policies and procedures
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to enable effective interface with internal and external professionals
• The ability to work independently or in a team environment
• A valid California driver’s license, reliable automobile, automobile insurance as required by California law, is required at all times while working for Children’s Legal Services of San Diego. Our juvenile courthouses are located in Kearny Mesa, El Cajon, and Vista. We also travel throughout the county to visit our clients in their homes.
• Ability to communicate and desire for continuing education, in a trauma-informed and culturally appropriate manner with persons of diverse backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, SOGIE, socioeconomic status, culture, etc.
Salary: unpaid; student must be earning school credit
Hours: 16 – 30 hours per week
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TO APPLY, PLEASE SEND THE FOLLOWING APPLICATION MATERIALS TO CAROL.LEON@CLSSANDIEGO.ORG
• COVER LETTER
• RESUME
• UNOFFICIAL LAW SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT
• CLSSD SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION
SUMMER INTERN (PAID)
NON-EMPLOYEE OPPORTUNITIES
Independent Contractor Opportunity CLSSD PANEL ATTORNEY
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CLSSD, located in the Kearny Mesa area of San Diego, is seeking attorneys for our Conflict Attorney Panel.
The Panel Attorney is an independent contractor subject to a legal agreement between the Panel Attorney and CLSSD. The Panel Attorney is responsible for representing clients who range between the ages of 0-21 years old who are dependents of the juvenile courts in San Diego County when there is a conflict within CLSSD’s internal firms. For children and youth under age 18, Panel Attorneys serve as their attorney and Guardian Ad Litem. Panel Attorneys are required to visit and to communicate with clients. Panel Attorneys may be required to appear on cases in any of the courtrooms throughout San Diego County. Dependency cases are heard in the following courthouses: El Cajon, Vista and Meadowlark (located in Kearny Mesa). Panel Attorneys must meet the competency/training requirements outlined in San Diego Local Rule of Court 6.3.3 and must meet the standards of representation described in San Diego Local Rule of Court 6.3.4.
The primary services of the Panel Attorney include, but are not limited to:
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Maintain attorney-client relationship and confidentiality;
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Maintain client contact and communication and assist the child in understanding the proceedings. Ensure the child’s wishes are considered by the court and advocate for the child’s interest(s).
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Visit the child in each of the child’s placements within a reasonable time of the child moving and as frequently as needed based on the circumstances of the case. CLSSD recommends at least one in-person visit at the client’s placement every 12 months.
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Conduct thorough, continuing, and independent investigations and interviews at every stage of the proceedings. Attorney may use an investigator to assist with these investigations when necessary to preserve witness testimony. If CLSSD has an investigator on staff who does not have a conflict on the case, a CLSSD investigator may be used subject to the firm’s approval;)
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Maintain communication with caregivers and collateral service providers including CASAs, therapists and teachers;
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Request appropriate services (by court order if necessary) and attend meetings related to the child, as practical and appropriate;
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Monitor compliance with court orders, including provision of and effectiveness of court-ordered services;
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File pleadings, motions, responses, or objections as necessary to represent client;
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Prepare for and participate in all dependency court hearings and WIC 241.1 hearings. Panel Attorney should attend court in person whenever the client is present.;
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Investigate interests of child clients beyond the scope of the juvenile dependency proceeding and notify the Court of issues on behalf of the child pursuant to San Diego Local Rule of Court 6.5.1;
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Assess and take appropriate action regarding any appeals and writs;
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Arrange for substitute representation, where necessary, to avoid court delay;
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Maintain accurate up to date electronic records in CLSSD’s electronic case file system;
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Sign monthly activity log and submit monthly invoices in timely manner.
Qualifications:
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Juris Doctor Degree and a member in good standing of the State Bar Association of California.
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Prior experience in juvenile law or trial experience required.
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Certification in Juvenile Dependency: CLSSD will provide training to meet the certification requirement at no cost to the Panel Attorney.
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A valid California driver’s license, reliable automobile, automobile insurance as required by California law, is required at all times while working for Children’s Legal Services of San Diego.
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Ability to communicate in a trauma-informed and culturally appropriate manner with persons of diverse backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, SOGIE, socioeconomic status, culture, etc.
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Carry professional liability insurance in the amount of no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, $1,00,000 annual aggregate.
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CLSSD Conflict Panel Fee Schedule Per Child:
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$225 for initial appearance/substituting in to represent the minor
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$200 per hearing. "Hearing" refers to uncontested matters or document trials. "Trials" refer to complex matters involving witness testimony. Ex-parte hearings and 15 Day Review hearings on the non-appearance calendar are not considered “hearings” for CLSSD invoicing.
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$100 per case for attendance at a Child Family Team (CFT) meeting
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$75 per month to be available for consultation with client, client visits outside the home, check in with caregivers, assess for 388 needs, sign releases, consult with CASAs etc.
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$100 for each client visit that occurs in the client’s home
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$350 per ½ day of trial
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Panel attorneys are not compensated for attending dependency-related trainings.
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As an Independent Contractor, the Conflict Panel Attorney is not entitled to and is not covered by any of CLSSD’s employee benefit plans.
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TO APPLY, PLEASE SEND RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO
CAROL.LEON@CLSSANDIEGO.ORG
PANEL ATTORNEY
LEGAL INTRENSHIPS
Supplemental Questions
Supplemental Questions
Independent Contract Attorneys - Writs
We are seeking writ attorneys to contact when a writ is needed. Writ attorneys will be independent contractors and not eligible for CLSSD benefits.
Dependency writ and appellate experience preferred. For further information, please contact Karen Prosek, Director of Legal Services, at KarenP@clssandiego.org, 858-264-7460
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Children’s Legal Services of San Diego, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, age, or gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.​
