Panel Attorney (Contract)

Contract

Remote / Hybrid 

About Us:

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” - Nelson Mandela

We believe that even the biggest problems can be broken down into small, achievable steps. Poverty and access to justice are part of the same problem. And to solve this, we just need to discover what the steps are. At Open Door Legal (ODL), we’re pioneering the country’s first system of universal access to civil legal representation to dramatically reduce poverty and prove that the law really can belong to all of us. We’ve grown 150x in 10 years, and in the next 2 years, we hope to finish scaling across San Francisco. To achieve this ambitious goal, we’ve created an award-winning and best-in-class legal aid organization full of passionate, motivated, gritty, thoughtful, and team-oriented people.

We believe that injustice is the heart of poverty, and we're looking for someone to join us in having a systemic impact on how we, as a society, ensure justice for all.

Overview of Position:

Open Door Legal is recruiting experienced attorneys to join our paid Panel Attorney Program and help expand access to justice to civil legal representation in San Francisco. 

Put your legal skills to work for people who need them, and get paid for your time. Panel Attorneys accept civil legal referrals on a compensated, contract basis. When you accept a referral, the individual becomes your client, and you independently manage the full scope of representation, from intake through resolution, just as you would for any other client. 

The program offers experienced attorneys in private practice, solo practice, or other full-time roles a flexible way to take on meaningful paid work and serve the community. Panel attorneys generally accept one case, or a small number of cases at a time, based on their capacity and expertise. Each case helps advance Open Door Legal’s universal access model, working toward a San Francisco where everyone can get the legal help they need.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent, full-scope representation in accepted civil legal matters, from intake through resolution.
• Review referrals and accept matters, based on your expertise, availability, and conflicts check.
• Manage all aspects of representation, including client communication, legal strategy, filings, deadlines, negotiations, and court appearances.
• Provide clear, timely, and respectful communication, using qualified interpreters when needed.
• Submit regular case updates and monthly itemized invoices consistent with the approved scope, rates, and budget.
• Provide a final case report and invoice when representation ends.

Requirements

Applicants who are members in good standing with the State Bar of California, or licensed in good standing with another state bar, may be considered. 

• Must genuinely enjoy working with low-income clients and have a commitment to providing culturally-humble and trauma-informed services. 
• Must have substantial experience in the practice area of any matter accepted, with the ability to handle it independently. Must have capacity to provide full-scope representation and manage each accepted matter through resolution.
• Must have strong legal research, writing, advocacy, and case management skills. 
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Bonus Points

• Experience in the following areas of law: Family, Housing, Probate
• Advanced Spanish and/or Cantonese proficiency (speaking, reading, and writing)
• California housing law and superior court civil procedure knowledge.
• Experience working with low-income and vulnerable populations.
• Experience working in a high-volume legal aid organization, public defender’s office or similar environment.
• Knowledge of other local non-profit organizations and tools for assisting low-income, underserved communities. 
• Having lived a significant period of your life in San Francisco proper.