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Dependency Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dependency Advocacy Center

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 ...

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Dependency Advocacy Center

Staff Attorney

San Jose, CA

$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 ...

Apply Early

Dependency Advocacy Center

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 ...

Apply Early

Childrens Law Center of California

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 ...

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Childrens Law Center of California

ATTORNEY

Monterey Park, CA · On-site

$88K - $137K/yr

ATTORNEY Reports to: Supervising Attorney Salary: $88,510-$137,889/annually (based on experience ... Effectively applying dependency case law, statues & court rules; Using effective trial & courtroom ...

Apply Early

Children's Law Center of California

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 ...

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All JobsDependency Attorney Jobs

Dependency Attorney information

See salary details

$40.5K

$98.3K

$192K

How much do dependency attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 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 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:
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,330 per year, or $47.3 per hour.
Staff Attorney

Staff Attorney

Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers

Monterey Park, CA • On-site

$104K - $129K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

About Us:

Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers, Inc. (LADL) is a non-profit, public interest legal firm representing parents in juvenile dependency court proceedings in Los Angeles County. We currently serve over 12,249 parents seeking to reunite with their children.


Who We Are Seeking:

LADL seeks California attorneys who are committed to the fight for social justice, intellectually excited to defend the constitutionally protected relationship between parents and their children, and sufficiently resilient to engage in daily battle against the generational effects of poverty, racism, addiction, domestic violence, and mental health conditions. We represent parents who have been negatively impacted by child welfare systems, which have often taken their children and placed them with strangers. LADL attorneys have frequent client contact and litigate contested matters daily, protecting and reunifying L.A. County's most vulnerable families. LADL offers competitive salary and benefits based on experience.


Attorney positions are available in our Monterey Park, Lancaster, and San Diego locations. This job ad is open until it is closed. A $1,000.00 monthly stipend will be available to Attorneys based in Lancaster.


Attorneys' duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Legal representation of parents in daily juvenile dependency proceedings in the Los Angeles County Juvenile Dependency Court. This duty includes in-court and out-of-court representation of parents at all phases of dependency case proceedings.
  • Attorneys are to establish and maintain an attorney-client relationship with their client.
  • Attorneys are to conduct thorough, continuing, and independent investigations and interviews at every stage of the proceedings on behalf of their client. Attorneys shall utilize the services of law firm social workers, investigators, paralegals, and parent partners as necessary. Attorneys are to file pleadings, motions, responses, or objections as necessary on behalf of their client.


LADL attorneys go through a multi-tiered training period to prepare them for the stimulating and electric atmosphere of the 25 courtrooms in Monterey Park.

Requirements:

  • Must have an active California State Bar license and must be in good standing. Please include your State Bar Number on your application materials.
  • Ideal candidate would have previous public interest experience and/or criminal law experience.


Salary:

Salaries range from $104,000 - 129,000 per year based on years of experience.

LADL offers a variety of health benefits, including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, voluntary term life, and long term disability insurance plans; Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA); retirement accounts (401k) with a match of 4%; Nationwide pet insurance; work/life balance resources; paid time off including paid sick time, personal time, and vacation time.

· 401(k)

· 401(k) matching

· Dental insurance

· Flexible spending account

· Health insurance

· Health savings account

· Life insurance

· Paid time off

· Parental leave

· Retirement plan

· Vision insurance


Work Hybrid

  • Many factors influence the location of an attorney’s practice, especially the client’s needs, as we work to reunify their family. Attorneys must be able to physically appear in court, in person, when required, as well as appear in the office when training or when needed.


How to Apply:

A cover letter and resume are required. Both must be in PDF or Microsoft Word format. If your resume contains little by way of non-profit, public interest, or social justice experience, please explain in your cover letter your interest in, and qualifications for, employment in the specific area of Parents’ Representation in Dependency Court.

Apply