Children’s Court and Guardianship Legal Assistant

CHILDREN’S COURT AND GUARDIANSHIP LEGAL ASSISTANT

The Alliance for Children’s Rights is seeking a dedicated, service-oriented Legal Assistant to join our Children’s Court and Guardianship Program. This role supports life-changing advocacy for children, youth, and caregivers navigating probate, dependency, delinquency, guardianship, emancipation, immigration-related, and vital-record matters. Spanish fluency is preferred.

The Alliance for Children’s Rights provides free, holistic legal services and advocacy to youth and families impacted by the child welfare and juvenile justice systems in Los Angeles County. Our attorneys, advocates, social workers, pro bono partners, and community volunteers help young people overcome barriers to stability and opportunity and access the education, health care, financial supports, and permanent family connections they need.

Since 1992, the Alliance has helped more than 178,000 children and young adults.

We pair direct services with local and statewide policy advocacy to remove systemic barriers and advance stability, equity, and justice for young people. Our collaborative, family-friendly culture recognizes that lasting impact depends on employees who are supported, connected, and able to thrive.

You will be an important member of a small, collaborative team supporting cases from intake through completion. Through organized case support, responsive client communication, careful recordkeeping, and coordination with legal and community partners, you will help children, youth, and caregivers navigate complex systems and pursue safety, stability, and legal protections.

• Conduct detailed client intake and program interviews, enter case and intake data, prepare case summaries, communicate with clients about case status, and keep electronic records current.
• Open, organize, maintain, and close electronic and physical case files so records remain accurate and accessible.
• Participate in Children’s Court Advocacy and Guardianship case review meetings and support cases from intake through completion.
• Coordinate across Alliance programs, including Adoption, Benefits, Education, Healthcare, Transition Age Youth, and the Caregiver Support Initiative, to support holistic client service and inter-program case transfers.
• Follow up with clients, program staff, pro bono attorneys, social workers, outside attorneys, agency representatives, and service providers regarding case information or status.
• Support guardianship, emancipation, birth certificate, and related matters by conducting interviews and preparing legal forms, client declarations, briefs, and project materials.
• Supervise student interns or volunteers as assigned.
• Participate in project trainings, community outreach, intake coverage, and Alliance events.
• Complete administrative and operational duties, including copying, data entry, mail sorting, and filing.

• Bachelor’s degree, paralegal certificate, or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Spanish fluency is preferred.
• Experience with foster care or child welfare is helpful, and candidates who are eager to learn are encouraged to apply.
• Strong interpersonal skills, a commitment to community service, and the ability to build respectful relationships with people across a range of backgrounds and circumstances.
• Excellent organization, attention to detail, responsiveness, and the ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills, including one‑on‑one communication with clients.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Adobe, and Zoom.
• Reliable transportation and residence in the greater Los Angeles area.
• Commitment to social justice, collaborative problem‑solving, and client‑centered service.

Target starting salary: $53,000 to $62,000. Final starting salary is based on relevant experience and internal equity. Qualified Spanish‑speaking employees who pass the Alliance language assessment receive a $1.02 per hour bilingual pay differential.

The Alliance invests in employees’ physical and mental well‑being. Our benefits and workplace practices are designed to…