Staff Attorney

COMMUNITY LEGAL AID SoCAL - 3 Staff Attorneys Positions in the Housing Unit at Compton office

The following link allows prospective candidates to apply directly on paylocity.

Do not wait to apply after reading this description a high application volume is expected for this opportunity.

Job Description :

CLA SoCal seeks an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and compassionate individual who will thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced public interest law firm.

The Housing Staff Attorney will work as a member of the housing team to serve and represent low-income and senior tenants who are facing eviction.

This full-time exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain a caseload of housing-related matters, including, but not limited to matters involving eviction defense, federally subsidized housing, and administrative hearing representation.
• Handle negotiations, settlements, trials, and appeals of cases in both State and Federal Courts with primary emphasis on landlord-tenant and legal issues involving access to housing.
• Engage in policy advocacy to improve access to and preservation of affordable housing opportunities for low-income residents.
• Actively participate in community groups and coalitions on issues impacting service-eligible populations.
• Represent clients, counsel, and advise clients in legal matters. Maintain detailed and accurate case notes and timekeeping in case management system (LegalServer).
• Interview clients. Effectively and efficiently communicate with clients.
• Engage in case investigation, witness interviews, factual and legal research.
• Research and write pleadings, memoranda, correspondence, and other legal documents.
• Engage in negotiation and settlement discussions with adverse parties and their legal representatives.
• Engage in policy advocacy, coordinate, and collaborate in policy campaigns with partner community-based organizations to improve systemic issues.
• Work with community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials.
• Direct and supervise the legal work of paralegal and law students, interns, and volunteers.
• Identify wrap-around legal services and work collaboratively with CLA SoCal’s various legal units.
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective of inclusion and diversity.
• Follow all organizational and grant compliance policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

Job Requirements :

• Juris Doctor degree and an active member in good standing of the California Bar or member to another state bar and ability to register as a legal services provider.
• Strong personal work ethic, initiative, and ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet critical deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to spot legal issues and comfort with providing real-time counsel & advice.
• Strong interpersonal skills, client communication skills, and comfort working with indigent clients.
• Articulate, creative, and passionate advocate with excellent written and oral communication skills, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and document preparation software.
• Reliable team player.
• Great organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Desire to learn as well as share knowledge with other team members.
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy or other ability to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners.
• Prior legal services advocacy experience Preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency Preferred.

What We Offer :

Our staff members work a 35-hour week, and we offer a flexible and hybrid work schedule. Some positions may work beyond a 35-hour week, including evening and weekend meetings and events, when caseload or other obligations so necessitate.

We also offer an outstanding benefit package which includes medical / dental / vision, 401k with employer contribution; life insurance with an optional employee buy-in;

and short-term and long-term disability. Our employees have access to paid holidays, vacation, personal time, and sick time on their first day.

Employee Assistance Program available. Employees who can prove bilingual proficiency are eligible for a monetary bonus.

Working Conditions :

The position requires working with individuals during moments of extreme stress and instability. The position also requires the provision of culturally sensitive and empathetic services.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required as a condition of employment before date of hire. Reasonable accommodations will be considered.

About Community Legal Aid :

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a diverse non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties.

We focus on removing barriers to equitable access and provide compassionate, high-quality legal aid. Employees are offered professional development and growth opportunities, a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative team spirit.

CLA SoCal is a welcoming, hopeful, anti-racist, anti-sexist, and anti-oppressive organization that celebrates diversity, and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

CLA SoCal seeks to fill all positions with people who share our values, including our organizational commitment to diversity.

We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities.

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