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Dependency Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dependency Advocacy Center

Staff Attorney

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

STAFF ATTORNEY Organization Description Dependency Advocacy Center (DAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, provides interdisciplinary family defense legal services to indigent parents and children ...

Dependency Advocacy Center

Staff Attorney

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

STAFF ATTORNEY Organization Description Dependency Advocacy Center (DAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, provides interdisciplinary family defense legal services to indigent parents and children ...

Dependency Advocacy Center

Staff Attorney

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Wellness resources STAFF ATTORNEY Organization Description Dependency Advocacy Center (DAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, provides interdisciplinary family defense legal services to indigent ...

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$40.5K

$98.3K

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How much do dependency attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dependency attorney?

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 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 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.

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:

What job categories do people searching Dependency Attorney jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Dependency Attorney jobs are:

Dependency Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dependency Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,330 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Juvenile Dependency Attorney II/III/IV*

NACBA

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$115 - $228/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

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.

Benefits
  • Recruitment Bonus - Newly hired employees from this recruitment may be eligible to receive bonus payments up to $3,000!*
  • 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.

*See Exempt Employee Compensation Ordinance for details.

Position Overview

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 Titles
  • 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.

Salary Ranges
  • Juvenile Dependency Attorney II - $114,712.00-$152,339.20 Annually
  • Juvenile Dependency Attorney III - $135,345.60-$180,128.00 Annually
  • Juvenile Dependency Attorney IV - $156,166.40-$227,843.20 Annually
License Requirements

Active membership and in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Experience Requirements
  • 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.
Desired Qualifications

Experience handling juvenile cases in San Bernardino County Dependency Court is highly desirable.

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