Default Attorney- Shriver Housing Project
Job Type
Full-time
Description
NLSLA provides free assistance to more than 160,000 individuals and families a year through innovative projects that expand access to justice and address the most critical needs of people living in poverty throughout Los Angeles. We are a community of people who see the law as a powerful tool to fight for individual rights and social change. Our work aims to unravel entrenched disparities that have resulted from longstanding injustice, systemic racism, and institutionalized inequality.
As such, we know that a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences enhance our vision. This value is embodied within the diversity of our community offerings and among the colleagues that help enliven our culture. Cultivating an inclusive work environment that values a range of talent and ideas is a top priority for us. We enthusiastically encourage candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply.
ABOUT THIS POSITION:
The Attorney is an integral part of a dynamic team of advocates at four public interest law offices working on a project examining the impact of legal services on individuals, the court and the community in the Unlawful Detainer system. The Attorney is responsible for working with NLSLA staff and volunteers to operate a self-help legal access center at the Stanley Mosk courthouse. The Staff Attorney helps to lead the site staff in assisting and educating self-represented litigants with housing issues. The attorney will assist site staff in service delivery, conduct intake interviews, provide brief service and advice to litigants, and prepare educational materials. The Attorney will also have the opportunity in some instances to represent tenants in eviction and/or post judgment proceedings.
In this role, you would report to the Supervising Attorney and a career path may result in future opportunities as a Senior Attorney. This position is exempt.
THIS POSITION MAY BE RIGHT FOR YOU IF:
- YOU THRIVE IN A FAST-PACED ENVIRONMENT and excel at moving through tasks and problem solving independently.
- YOU DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF and can maintain a positive attitude and goal-oriented focus in an ever-changing and sometimes ambiguous environment.
- YOU KNOW THAT INTEGRITY MATTERS and exhibit a strong adherence to ethical standards including, but not limited to, the ability to maintain confidentiality and fiduciary responsibility.
- YOU HAVE STRONG INSTINCTS and can seamlessly self-direct your workload with minimal supervision.
- YOU ARE A GIFTED COLLABORATOR and enjoy working in a high-volume team environment.
- YOU ARE A GOOD COMMUNICATOR that knows when to ask for help, how to contribute to the team, and how to receive feedback and apply it to your work performance.
Requirements
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO DO IN THIS ROLE:
- Help litigants with preparation of pro per motions to set aside their default.
- Brief counsel/advice.
- Intake/assessment of merits in the underlying eviction case for possible extended services.
- Facilitate workshops related to the default process/preparation of forms.
- Represent litigants at default hearing on select cases.
- Help train and supervise students and other volunteers working at the center.
- Work on policies issues related to housing/evictions and affirmative litigation when appropriate.
- Travel to other NLSLA branch offices, courts, government agencies, shelters and community-based organizations in Los Angeles County as needed.
HOW YOU CAN STAND OUT:
For this role, the ideal candidate has
- Bilingual verbal, reading, and writing proficiency in Spanish.
- Worked in a legal aid law firm.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED ON DAY ONE:
- JD from an accredited law school and active California State Bar license.
- Two to three years of experience in housing law.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, business communication platforms, and web-based case management platforms.
- Passion for NLSLA mission and demonstrated commitment to advocating for the legal rights of low-income individuals.
- Passion, empathy, and compassion for supporting people from different lived experiences.
WHAT WE OFFER:
The salary range for this position is $76,000-$84,000.
Benefits include:
- 35-hour workweek with a hybrid schedule.
- 15 paid holidays per year.
- 2 to 5 weeks of vacation per year depending on seniority.
- 12 days of sick leave per year.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and AD&D insurance; FSA; and EAP.
- A 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contributions.
- Monthly bilingual supplement.
- Lawyer student loan reimbursement assistance program.
To apply, upload your resume, cover letter and writing sample.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
NLSLA is an equal opportunity employer. We will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual orientation, and pregnancy, including breastfeeding and related medical conditions), national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military status, or other non-merit-based factors or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Consistent with these principles, NLSLA also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices. All applicants and employees have the freedom to compete for employment and advancement opportunities, on a fair and equitable playing field.
Salary Description
Salary Range: $76,000-$84,000
