CCLS Staff Attorney - Housing Team

Min 3 yrs required

Full-time

No

Organization: Central California Legal Services (CCLS)
Position: Staff Attorney - Housing Team
Type: Full-time, Exempt (Union position)
Salary: $65,208 to $92,703 per year
Location: Merced, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Fresno, Tulare, and Kings Counties

Introduction:
Central California Legal Services (CCLS) is a non-profit organization that has been providing high-quality, no-cost civil legal services to low-income individuals and families in the Central Valley for over 50 years. Our mission is to improve the wellbeing of our community through systems-changing advocacy, client education, and legal work that meets individual clients’ immediate needs. We are currently seeking a full-time Staff Attorney to join our dynamic Housing Team.

Job Description:
The Staff Attorney will be responsible for carrying a caseload of eviction defense and affirmative litigation cases, as well as providing general legal support to clients in the Central Valley. They will work closely with a team of attorneys and paralegals to negotiate with opposing counsel, prepare legal documents, and represent clients in court. In addition, the Staff Attorney will participate in community outreach events and legal clinics in partnership with community-based organizations. This role also involves maintaining relationships with pro bono attorneys and volunteers, attending trainings, and providing training to other CCLS staff.

Responsibilities:
- Negotiate with opposing counsel and work directly with clients to help them stay housed
- Prepare discovery requests and responses, draft pleadings, motions, and correspondence
- Conduct unlawful detainer bench and jury trials, and pursue appellate remedies
- Bring strategic, affirmative litigation to prevent homelessness and improve housing conditions
- Participate in organizing, conducting, and attending community outreach events and legal workshops/clinics
- Maintain relationships with CCLS attorneys, pro bono attorneys and volunteers, support centers, and community partners
- Attend national or regional trainings as needed, and provide training to other CCLS staff
- Other duties as assigned by Supervising Attorneys

Qualifications:
- Active member in good standing of the State Bar of California
- Minimum three years of legal experience as a practicing attorney
- Collaborative, team-oriented individual able to work with colleagues and external partners
- Ability to assume responsibility quickly, comfortable under pressure, and able to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
- Organized with attention to detail
- Excellent negotiation skills
- Able to use good judgment, multitask, and meet short-notice deadlines
- Ability to work with a wide range of clients in a client-centered manner
- Bilingual ability strongly preferred in English and at least one other language commonly spoken in the Central Valley
- Commitment to CCLS’ mission and core values
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Ability to travel as needed, with proof of liability and property insurance on vehicle used

CCLS Mandatory Vaccination Policy:
Please note that CCLS currently requires all staff to be fully vaccinated and to have at least one booster (if eligible). Medical and religious exemptions to this requirement are also available.

Salary:
The salary for this position ranges from $65,208 to $92,703 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Organization:
Central California Legal Services (CCLS) is an equal opportunity employer, valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion across all races, cultures, classes, ages, religions, gender identities and presentations, sexual orientations, body sizes, family structures, and abilities. We encourage all interested individuals to apply. CCLS is subject to a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Application Deadline:
Until filled.

Legal