Staff Attorney – Foreclosure Prevention Unit

Full-time

No

Staff Attorney – Foreclosure Prevention Unit – 2 positions

The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is seeking two qualified attorneys to join their Foreclosure Prevention Unit (FPU). This unit works with a statewide network of foreclosure defense advocates to address the legal needs of homeowners in Washington State who are at risk of losing their homes. NJP is a not-for-profit law firm with a mission to combat injustice, strengthen communities, and protect human dignity. They provide high quality legal advocacy to low-income individuals, families, and communities through legal representation, community partnerships, education, and other advocacy efforts.

Salary Information:

- Starting salary based on years of experience, with an annual range of $73,142 to $133,712
- Additional compensation for those who use languages other than English in their work
- Comprehensive benefits package, including 100% paid employee health premiums and significant premium shares for family health premiums
- Generous time off policies

Job Title:

Staff Attorney – Foreclosure Prevention Unit

Experience Information:

- Washington State Bar membership in good standing, or ability to acquire membership through admission by motion, is required
- Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income individuals
- Preferred experience in Washington real property and foreclosure law, or comparable related experience
- Experience with residential property foreclosure matters, either on behalf of homeowners/borrowers or lenders, trustees, or other financial service entities involved with mortgage lending, foreclosure, loan work out agreements, and similar legal assistance activities
- Experience assisting clients with consumer protections provided by statutes such as the Truth-in-Lending Act, the Consumer Loan Act, and the Consumer Protection Act will be viewed favorably
- Knowledge and experience in personal bankruptcy law is also a plus
- Requires a deep understanding of and sympathy for the impacts of economic crises on individuals and families, with a critical understanding of the disparate impacts on BIPOC households
- Culturally competent and demonstrated commitment or experience working with low-income client communities, communities of color, limited English speakers, and persons with disabilities
- Able to work collaboratively with a diverse array of clients, co-workers, opposing counsel, and public and private entities

Duties and Responsibilities:

- Work under the direction of NJP’s FPU Managing Attorney to develop and implement a response to the many homeowners facing mortgage delinquencies and foreclosure as a result of the COVID-19 health emergency
- Develop collaborative working relationships with a statewide network of housing counseling agencies to support their work through case referrals and general legal assistance
- Provide direct legal assistance to homeowners coping with the consequences of mortgage and other housing-related delinquency, and assess client eligibility for workout options or Housing Assistance Fund grants
- Represent homeowners under the Foreclosure Fairness Act, in non-judicial proceedings such as pre-foreclosure meetings and foreclosure mediation
- Represent homeowners in strategic litigation aimed at preserving homeownership and curbing industry bad actors
- Identify and develop resources for use by homeowners in mediation and other foreclosure-related issues
- Provide training for participating attorneys, housing counselors, community advocates, and others on legal issues related to mortgage foreclosure
- Respond to inquiries from housing counselors and others working with low-income individuals seeking to avoid foreclosure
- Develop and participate in outreach activities and community engagement activities around foreclosure prevention

Organization Commitments:

- NJP has adopted the Washington Race Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI) and is organizationally committed to fighting racism and incorporating equity and inclusion in their advocacy work and internal systems and work environment
- NJP expects all staff to uphold the REJI commitments and approach their role with a desire to learn and grow in this area
- NJP requires all employees to be vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19, with exemptions based on medical and sincerely held religious beliefs available per NJP’s EEO employer policy

Location:

- Positions can be located at one of NJP’s offices in Yakima, Wenatchee, Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellingham, Mt. Vernon, Bremerton, Quincy, or Omak

Organization:

- Replace "Northwest Justice Project" with "NJP" for SEO purposes

Department:

- Replace "Foreclosure Prevention Unit" with "FPU" for SEO purposes

H1 Heading:

Exciting Opportunity at NJP for Staff Attorneys in Foreclosure Prevention Unit - Apply Now!

H2 Headings:

- About NJP and Their Mission
- About the Foreclosure Prevention Unit
- Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Qualifications and Requirements
- Compensation and Benefits
- How to Apply at NJP
- Commitment to Race Equity and Justice
- Location and Organization Information

Not specified

100% paid employee health premiums, Significant premium shares for family health premiums, Generous time off

Not specified

Legal Advocacy, Collaboration, Case Referrals, Litigation, Outreach, Community Engagement, Training, Communication, Cultural Competence

Not specified

Send cover letter, resume, and writing sample to

Qualification and Experience Washington State Bar membership, Experience with low-income communities, Knowledge of foreclosure and real property law, Understanding of economic crises and impacts on BIPOC households, Cultural competence, Ability to work within funding restrictions

Legal