Staff Attorney / Senior Attorney Role: Legal Advocacy for System-Involved Youth
The Staff Attorney or Senior Attorney position at the Youth Law Center represents a high-impact opportunity for legal professionals committed to advancing justice for children and young people in foster care and juvenile justice systems. This role combines litigation, policy advocacy, and systems reform work with a strong emphasis on youth-centered and community-informed legal strategies.
It is a fully remote position within the United States, with occasional travel, and offers attorneys the chance to engage in complex legal and policy work that directly shapes public systems affecting vulnerable youth.
About the Youth Law Center and Its Mission
Youth Law Center is a national nonprofit dedicated to transforming foster care and juvenile justice systems so that every young person has the opportunity to thrive. Its work focuses on ensuring that when systems intervene in a child’s life, they provide support, stability, and pathways to adulthood rather than harm or exclusion.
The organization’s advocacy priorities include:
- Ending youth incarceration and promoting restorative alternatives
- Reducing reliance on congregate care in foster systems
- Expanding access to education and higher education for system-involved youth
- Improving mental health and community-based services
- Supporting healthy transitions into adulthood
The center integrates legal advocacy with policy reform, public education, and narrative change strategies.
Role Overview and Responsibilities
Attorneys in this role contribute to a broad and flexible advocacy portfolio. Depending on experience level (Staff Attorney or Senior Attorney), responsibilities vary, but all roles involve collaboration across legal, policy, and community advocacy teams.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing legal technical assistance to civil legal aid organizations
- Supporting youth, families, and community advocates in systems reform efforts
- Conducting litigation, policy advocacy, and regulatory engagement
- Developing training and educational materials for stakeholders
- Collaborating on legislative and administrative reform strategies
- Engaging in media advocacy and narrative change initiatives
- Addressing how technology and data systems affect youth access to services
A growing area of focus includes the role of digital systems and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in shaping youth outcomes and access to services.
Legal Advocacy Approach
The organization uses a multi-layered advocacy model that goes beyond traditional courtroom litigation. Attorneys are expected to contribute to both legal and non-legal strategies that drive systemic change.
Common advocacy tools include:
- Strategic litigation and impact cases
- Policy development and legislative advocacy
- Administrative rulemaking engagement
- Training for legal aid providers and community organizations
- Public education and storytelling initiatives
This approach reflects a belief that meaningful reform requires collaboration between legal professionals, communities, and directly impacted youth.
Skills and Qualifications
The role requires strong legal training, systems thinking, and a deep commitment to youth advocacy. The organization encourages applications from candidates with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
Staff Attorney Requirements:
- At least 1 year of post-JD legal experience
- Experience in litigation, policy advocacy, or direct legal services
Senior Attorney Requirements:
- At least 5 years of post-JD experience
- Experience leading legal projects or supervising teams
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement advocacy strategies
All Candidates Should Have:
- Active bar membership or eligibility for California licensure
- Experience in juvenile justice, foster care, education, or related fields
- Strong writing, communication, and coalition-building skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in remote environments
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in legal practice
- Interest in systems reform and youth-centered advocacy approaches
Work Environment and Values
The organization emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and youth-centered advocacy. Attorneys are expected to work closely with both legal professionals and non-attorney advocates, including policy experts and community organizers.
Core values include:
- Centering the voices of youth with lived experience
- Using evidence-based and interdisciplinary approaches
- Challenging systemic inequities in public systems
- Building partnerships across legal and community sectors
This creates a dynamic work environment that blends legal rigor with social impact.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range varies depending on experience level:
- Staff Attorney: approximately $76,000–$103,000
- Senior Attorney: approximately $93,000–$120,000
The benefits package is highly competitive and includes:
- Fully employer-paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- Unlimited paid vacation and generous leave policies
- Retirement plan with employer match
- Bar membership reimbursement
- Remote work support and equipment stipends
- Flexible scheduling arrangements
These benefits reflect the organization’s emphasis on employee well-being and sustainability.
Application Process
Applicants are required to submit a complete application package, including:
- Cover letter explaining interest and alignment with the mission
- Resume detailing relevant legal experience
- Writing sample demonstrating legal analysis and advocacy skills
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position remains open until filled.
Contact Information
For general inquiries (not applications), candidates may reach the organization at:
Applications must not be submitted via email and should instead follow the instructions provided in the job posting.
Career Growth in Public Interest Law
This role offers significant long-term career development opportunities in public interest law and systems reform. Attorneys may advance into:
- Senior litigation and policy leadership roles
- Program director or advocacy leadership positions
- National-level policy advisory roles
- Specialized expertise in juvenile justice or child welfare reform
The experience gained is highly transferable across nonprofit law, government policy, and civil rights advocacy.
Final Thoughts
The Staff Attorney / Senior Attorney role at the Youth Law Center represents a powerful opportunity for legal professionals committed to systemic change. By combining litigation, policy work, and youth-centered advocacy, attorneys in this position help reshape the systems that impact some of the most vulnerable young people in society.
For those seeking a legal career grounded in justice, equity, and long-term impact, this role offers both professional depth and meaningful social contribution.
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