ABOUT PUBLIC COUNSEL

Public Counsel is the largest pro bono public interest law firm in the country. Founded in 1970, it is dedicated to advancing equal justice   under law and addressing economic, racial, social, and other inequities by delivering free legal and social services to the most vulnerable members of our community. Public Counsel operates eight legal projects: Children’s Rights, Community Development, Consumer Rights & Economic Justice, Homelessness Prevention, Immigrants’ Rights, Veterans’ Rights, the Audrey Irmas Project for Women & Girls’ Rights, and our impact litigation project, Opportunity Under Law. 

Public Counsel has a full-time staff of over 130. We are committed to building a diverse staff and encourage applications from people of color, people with disabilities, and people of all gender identities, gender expressions, and sexualities.

ABOUT DEPARTMENT

Public Counsel’s Homelessness Prevention Law Project (HPLP) serves individuals who are unhoused or at high risk of becoming homeless. HPLP provides pro bono representation to homeless individuals and families to stabilize housing and secure food and other vital benefits. In addition, HPLP assists unrepresented low-income litigants in unlawful detainer actions, and helps address tickets and warrants that present barriers to an individual’s housing and stability.

In addition to our homelessness prevention and anti-displacement efforts, our recent work includes: 

• Supporting local tenants in their successful efforts to obtain and preserve COVID-related eviction protections.
• Teaming up with other non-profit legal services providers, tenant organizers and community-based organizations throughout Los Angeles County to push forward the implementation of a Right to Counsel for all tenants in eviction proceedings.

JOB SUMMARY

Public Counsel has two Staff Attorney vacancies in the Homelessness Prevention Law Project. 

Reporting to a Supervising Staff Attorney, the new Staff Attorney(s) will;

• Carry a personal caseload litigating unlawful detainer (eviction) cases which includes: client interviews; drafting pleadings, motions, discovery, briefs, and correspondence; negotiating with outside parties; representing clients in court and conducting jury trials;
• Provide legal counsel and advice, and limited-scope representation to low-income individuals regarding evictions and related housing matters;
• Act as a resource regarding unlawful detainer cases and other housing issues for other Public Counsel staff, community-based organizations, and partner agencies;
• Work with a large network of pro bono attorneys to handle unlawful detainer cases and other housing matters;
• Participate in community outreach, including preparing and presenting Know Your Rights trainings, and staffing community legal clinics;
• Assist with grant reporting, billing, and outcome tracking for housing work; and,
• Other duties as required by the development of our community lawyering efforts.

ESSENTIAL JOB SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Juris Doctor degree and a member in good standing of the California Bar;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Excellent negotiation and organizational skills;
• Ability to spot legal issues and comfort with providing   real-time counsel & advice;
• Desire to learn as well as share knowledge with other team members;
• Good client skills and comfort working with indigent clients;
• Ability to work in a fast paced, high volume environment;
• Ability to commute throughout Los Angeles County;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Detail oriented; and
• Work well as part of a team, but also be able to work independently with minimal to moderate supervision.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• 1-4 years of litigation experience preferred, eviction defense experience a plus;
• Familiarity with housing laws
• Ability to read, write and speak fluently in Spanish is preferred.

JOB TYPE AND BENEFITS

• Full-time, Exempt position
• Bargaining
• The salary range for a Staff Attorney with 0-4 years of experience is $65,000-$70,725
•  Public Counsel offers a competitive benefits package including:
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with both HMO and PPO options, 
• The option to enroll in a Flexible Spending Account, 
• A 403(b) retirement plan with elective contribution and a discretionary contribution after a year of employment, and 
• Employer-paid life insurance and disability plans.
• Generous paid time off and compensatory time up to 40 hours per calendar year
• Parking and transit benefits

PUBLIC COUNSEL VACCINATION POLICY   AND COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

Public Counsel requires vaccination against COVID-19 for all employees, including new hires. Pursuant to federal and state laws, Public Counsel will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs, unless doing so would pose an undue hardship.

Public Counsel is generally office-based, but remote work has been permitted during the pandemic. As of June 6, 2022, all employees with Public Counsel will be required to work in the office at least one day per week, at the discretion of the head of department. This policy is subject to redesign by leadership. Public Counsel will work in a manner consistent with public health and local and state emergency orders. 

PUBLIC COUNSEL EEO POLICY

Public Counsel   is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate against employees or prospective employees on the basis of union membership or activity, race,   religious creed, religious observance, ethnicity, color, gender, sex, sexual   orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or predisposition,   military service, military and veteran status, pregnancy, child birth and   related medical conditions, marital and family status, national origin,  ancestry, age, medical conditions as defined by state or federal law, or   disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.

All qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Our leadership team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities discipline, discharge and general treatment during employment.