Small Business Equity & Recovery Attorney

Description:

A Non-Profit Organization seeks a temporary full time Staff Attorney (SA) to represent small and micro- business owners who suffered adverse economic impacts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, in collaboration with the Small Business Equity & Recovery Program (“SBER”), a collective of service providers led by the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber.
The services provided shall include advising existing business owners on general business legal issues, and advising individuals who are starting a new business.
Successful candidate will not only represent Small Business owners, but will also have the opportunity to foster the growth of the SBER, which assists Small Business owners and micro-businesses/start-ups, with a focus on serving BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) individuals and owned businesses that suffered adverse economic impacts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The current contract with the SBER collective ends on December 31, 2024, at which point the temporary SA position is expected to be eliminated. The anticipated position end date is provided for your information only and is not to be construed as a contract of employment, as LASC is an ‘at will' employer.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide high quality legal services to individuals and Small Business owners who were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and who now seek to either start a new business or need legal advice with their existing business.
• Responsible for legal intakes, case assessment, review of contracts, negotiations with commercial landlords or creditors, and general legal advice on Small Business issues.
• Collaborate on behalf of clients with SBER partners including the Sonoma Small Business Development Center, Sonoma County Economic Development Board, Santa Rosa Metro Chamber, and other partner agencies/organizations.
• Provide legal consultations and advice to eligible individuals and Small Businesses in the following areas:
• Entity Formation or Dissolution
• Commercial Leases and Unlawful Detainer (evictions)
• Contracts and Business Documents
• Small business Loans and Loan Modifications
• Debtor/Creditor and Some Tax Issues
• Provide Counsel and advice in simple HR matters, compliance with regulations, and other Small Business issues.
• Organize and participate in regularly scheduled Outreach Workshops for Small Business owners in targeted population groups focused on educational/legal issues.
• Review business contracts and provide legal advice as appropriate.
• Review loan or loan modification documents and provide legal advice as appropriate.
• Assist with resolving debtor/creditor and tax issues.
• Perform ordinary functions of legal counsel providing representation in an advisory role, including legal research, formulating, and advising on legal strategy for the issue at hand, conducting client interviews, and drafting contracts and other business documents.
• Maintain confidentiality of client information as required by California law.
• Ensure entry of timely, accurate, and detailed case data into Legal Aid's case management system and County of Sonoma's data collection system.
• Supervise case worker and/or interns, including onboarding, skills training, daily support and coaching, review and quality assurance of work, regular check-ins, and provision of consistent and effective supervision and oversight.
• Attending regularly scheduled partner and staff meetings.
• Maintain up-to-date case notes, time reporting, and statistical records on services provided in LASC's online client database.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate and licensed to practice Law in the State of California, with current active membership in the CA Bar.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all persons regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, economic background, immigration status, gender identification, or sexual orientation.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a diverse team.
• Working knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office, legal forms software, and database programs.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively with great attention to detail, including timely case management and a commitment to accurate and on time data and time keeping reporting.
• This position is not remote. Applicants must be within commuting distance of the LASC office in Santa Rosa, CA.
• All applicants must abide by LASC's current COVID related and security protocols.
• Must pass a background check.
• Valid California driver's license and proof of auto insurance.

Skills/Experience Desired:

• Minimum one (1) year of experience practicing law.
• Small Business background and/or experience a plus.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

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