1

Dependency Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Staff Attorney

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90K/yr

Mission Statement Dependency Advocacy Center provides zealous legal representation to indigent ... This is a full-time attorney position for DACs innovative program, Corridor. Corridor is a ...

Staff Attorney

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90K/yr

Organization Description Dependency Advocacy Center (DAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization ... This is a full-time attorney position for DAC's innovative program, Corridor. Corridor is a ...

Communicates with parent attorneys, child attorneys, CASA, and other approved parties regarding scheduling and court-related administrative matters. * Assists with dependency stakeholder meetings ...

ATTORNEY

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$74K - $115K/yr

ATTORNEY Reports to: Supervising Attorney Salary: $74,169-$115,545/annually (based on experience ... Effectively applying dependency case law, statues & court rules; Using effective trial & courtroom ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Dependency Attorney information

See salary details

$40.5K

$98.3K

$192K

How much do dependency attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for dependency attorney in the United States is $98,330.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Dependency Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dependency Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor degree, bar admission, and strong knowledge of child welfare law and court procedures. Familiarity with case management systems, legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), and relevant state-specific regulations is essential. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and empathy are key soft skills for effectively representing clients—often children or parents—in emotionally charged cases. These skills are crucial for ensuring fair legal representation, supporting vulnerable clients, and navigating complex family court proceedings.

What is the difference between Dependency Attorney vs Family Law Attorney?

AspectDependency AttorneyFamily Law Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license, specialized training in dependency lawLaw degree, bar license, specialization in family law often including dependency cases
Work EnvironmentCourts, child welfare agencies, legal clinicsCourts, law firms, private practice, legal clinics
Employer & IndustryChild welfare agencies, government legal departmentsPrivate law firms, government agencies, courts
Search & Comparison IntentDependency Attorney vs Family Law Attorney

Dependency Attorneys specialize in representing children and families involved in child welfare cases, focusing on dependency law. Family Law Attorneys handle a broader range of family-related legal issues, including divorce, custody, and adoption. While both roles require similar legal credentials and often work in related environments, Dependency Attorneys focus specifically on child welfare cases within the legal system.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by dependency attorneys, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

Dependency attorneys often manage high caseloads involving sensitive family situations, including child abuse or neglect cases. The role requires balancing advocacy for clients with the best interests of the child, which can be emotionally demanding. New hires should be prepared for frequent court appearances, collaboration with social workers, and rapidly evolving case details. Building strong organizational skills, maintaining emotional resilience, and seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues can help navigate these challenges effectively.

What is a Dependency Attorney?

A Dependency Attorney is a lawyer who represents parties involved in dependency court cases, which address issues of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment. They may represent parents, children, or other interested parties in proceedings where the state intervenes to protect a child's welfare. Their primary role is to advocate for their client's interests, ensure due process is followed, and help navigate the complexities of child welfare law. Dependency Attorneys work closely with social workers, judges, and other legal professionals to secure safe and appropriate outcomes for children.
More about Dependency Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Dependency Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Dependency Attorney job openings:
What states have the most Dependency Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Dependency Attorney jobs include:
Juvenile Dependency Attorney II/III/IV*

Juvenile Dependency Attorney II/III/IV*

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino, CA • Hybrid

$110K - $219K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


San Bernardino County rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 75 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

357th of 644 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Job Come join a team that serves and protects San Bernardino County, its treasury, and its governing body, by providing timely and accurate legal services and aggressively representing the County in litigation. PRIORITY REVIEW Applications submitted by Friday, February 13th, will be sent to the department for Priority Review. RECRUITMENT BONUS Newly hired employees from this recruitment may be eligible to receive bonus payments up to $3,000!* *See Exempt Employee Compensation Ordinance for details.

SALARY INCREASES Employees are eligible for merit-based step increases within the salary range, up to the maximum step. Refer to the Exempt Employee Ordinance for details. FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE Attorneys may have the opportunity to work a flexible schedule after six months of employment, which may include a 9/80 schedule and/or partial remote work option.

LOAN FORGIVENESS San Bernardino County Counsel employees may be eligible for student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. For more details/application information, review here. San Bernardino County also has reciprocity with CalPERS and other California '37 Act counties.

Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number are received. County Counsel is recruiting for a Juvenile Dependency Attorney* to represent the Department of Children and Family Services in Juvenile Court. Attorneys in this unit appear in statutorily-required hearings, special interim reviews, settlement conferences, bench trials and specialty court hearings.

Official County Title: Deputy County Counsel II, Deputy County Counsel III, Deputy County Counsel IV. Initial Appointment Your application will be reviewed for eligibility for all levels within the Deputy County Counsel Series. Job offers for the initial appointment may be made at any level based on qualifications and department needs.

Candidates advance within the series in accordance with criteria established in the Exempt Compensation Ordinance. Juvenile Dependency Attorney II $110, 260.80-$146,432.00 Annually Juvenile Dependency Attorney III $130, 104.00-$173, 139.20 Annually Juvenile Dependency Attorney IV $150,113.60-$219,024.00 Annually EXCELLENT BENEFITS To review job-specific, benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits The County also offers an alternative Modified Benefits Option (MBO) that provides a wage differential. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Background: Applicants must pass a background investigation, including fingerprinting, prior to appointment

Travel: Travel throughout the County may be required and employees will be required to make provisions for such transportation. Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future. Minimum Requirements License: Active membership and in good standing with the State Bar of California.

--AND-- Experience: Juvenile Dependency Attorney IV: Forty eight (48) months of experience as an attorney, of which thirty six (36) months was handling juvenile dependency cases. Juvenile Dependency Attorney III: Thirty (30) months of experience as an attorney, of which eighteen (18) months was handling juvenile dependency cases. Juvenile Dependency Attorney II: Twelve (12) months of experience handling juvenile dependency cases.

Note: Experience as a Juvenile Dependency Attorney includes experience as a County Counsel, Minor's Counsel, or Parent's Counsel. Desired Qualifications Experience handling juvenile cases in San Bernardino County Dependency Court is highly desirable. Selection Process There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on a review of the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire; therefore, it is to your advantage to provide as much relevant and detailed work experience as possible, as resumes will not be reviewed in lieu of the application materials.

Priority Review: Applications submitted by Friday, February 13th, will be sent to the department for Priority Review. Application Procedure: Please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire for consideration. Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received; recruitment may close at any time without notice.

To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application as soon as possible. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email.

We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note, if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application. If you require technical assistance, please review HERE to review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627.

Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by the internet connection, computer or browser used to submit the application. EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline.

Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouse or widow(er) who are not current County employees may be awarded additional Veterans' Preference points. Review here for information and instructions to request Veteran's Preference points. Please review HERE for important Applicant Information and the County Employment Process.


What San Bernardino County employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom