Job Title:
Staff Attorney
Job Responsibilities:
The Staff Attorney will be an integral part of the Tenant Defense Project (TDP) at the organization, focusing on eviction defense cases and expanding tenant defense work. Specific responsibilities include:
- Managing a caseload of eviction defense (unlawful detainer) cases.
- Engaging in fast-paced litigation processes.
- Collaborating with an eviction defense team, including attorneys and paralegals, to negotiate with opposing counsel.
- Working directly with clients to assist them in remaining housed.
- Preparing discovery requests and responses.
- Drafting pleadings, motions, and correspondence.
- Negotiating settlements.
- Conducting unlawful detainer bench and jury trials.
- Pursuing appellate remedies.
- Participating in community outreach events and legal clinics and workshops in partnership with community-based organizations.
- Contributing to conversations surrounding housing policy in Los Angeles County.
- Working with volunteer attorneys from private law firms providing pro bono representation to clients facing eviction.
The overarching goal of the Staff Attorney's work is to ensure safe and affordable housing, prevent family evictions into homelessness, and contribute to ending homelessness in Los Angeles.
Education and Experience Information:
Candidates must have a membership in the California Bar and possess a minimum of 1-2 years of litigation experience. The role requires a commitment to the organization's mission and values, excellent oral and written communication skills, a strong work ethic, an organized and detail-oriented approach, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to assume responsibility quickly. Candidates should also be able to work independently and as part of a collaborative team, use good judgment, multitask, and meet short-notice deadlines. The ability to interact with a wide range of clients in a kind, appropriate, client-centered manner is essential. Access to reliable transportation is also necessary.
Salary Information:
The salary for the Staff Attorney position ranges from $78,000 to $88,500 and is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The organization offers excellent benefits.
Additional Information:
The position will serve a nine-month probationary period, and the organization operates in a hybrid work environment with remote and onsite work available. For those who do not meet all the requirements listed, there is an opportunity to apply as a Housing Justice Post-Graduate Fellow.
The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, disability, marital status, or medical condition. Applicants with criminal histories will be considered in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
To ensure the safety of staff and clients, the organization requires all staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and undergo TB testing upon hire.
