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:

Stay Housed L.A is a partnership between Los Angeles County, the City of Los Angeles and local community and legal service providers to implement a county-wide right to counsel program. Together, we provide the tenants of Los Angeles County with a range of services from providing legal information and resources and in some cases, providing representation in court eviction proceedings. NLSLA is currently seeking current 3Ls, recent law school graduates, and licensed attorneys to join our eviction defense team, which is tasked with addressing the housing crisis in Los Angeles through the implementation of a county-wide right to counsel program.  The law grad/attorney will defend tenants against eviction in cases filed in the Stanley Mosk, Chatsworth, Van Nuys, Pasadena, and West Covina courthouses.  Attorneys will work directly with clients and engage in all stages of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, motions, hearings, settlement, administrative hearings, and trial.

In this role, you would report to Associate 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 ARE COMFORTABLE MULTI-TASKING and maintain composure and productivity amongst competing priorities and responsibilities.
• 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.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO DO IN THIS ROLE:

• Assist with defending tenants against eviction in all stages of litigation.
• Responsibilities include interviewing and counseling clients affected by housing issues, participating in clinics and other community outreach projects, working on policy issues relating to eviction and/or housing, and representing subsidized housing clients in administrative hearings and writs.
• Provide counsel and advice on a variety of housing matters and represent tenants in administrative hearings with local housing authorities and through trial in unlawful detainer proceedings.
• Manage a varied caseload.
• Operating weekly “know your rights” clinics for tenants.
• Prepare educational materials.
• Participate in community events.
• Collaborate with pro bono partners.
• Work with student volunteers and pro bono volunteers.
• Travel to NLSLA branch offices, courts, government agencies, shelters and community-based organizations throughout Los Angeles County.

HOW YOU CAN STAND OUT:  

For this role, the ideal candidate has  

• Worked in a legal aid law firm.  
• Passion for supporting people from different lived experiences. 

WHAT YOU’LL NEED ON DAY ONE: 

• Candidates must be awaiting results for the February 2024 California Bar Exam or planning to take the California Bar Exam in July 2024 or a JD from an accredited law school 
• Demonstrated commitment to tenants’ rights 
• Strong oral/written communication skills coupled with an ability to employ patience and sensitivity when working with people in crisis.   
• Excel at working collaboratively and effectively in a fast-paced environment.   
• 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 $71,000-$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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

NLSLA is committed to provide a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of each individual and is free from all forms of employment discrimination based on each and every characteristic protected under the law and beyond.  

Decisions related to hiring, compensating, training, evaluating performance, promoting, or terminating are made fairly, and are based on job-related qualities and abilities. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and employees. We examine our unconscious biases and take responsibility for always striving to create an inclusive environment that makes every employee and candidate feel welcome. 

We further expect every member of the NLSLA community to do their part to cultivate and maintain an environment where everyone has the opportunity to feel included, and is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve. 

NLSLA Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

NLSLA believes that racial healing and addressing inequities related to disability, religion, sexual orientation, class structures, gender, and race, are fundamental to expanding access to health, opportunity, and justice across diverse communities.

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging within our organization and the communities we serve. We achieve this through:

· Continuous Learning: Cultivating cultural competency and humility among staff through ongoing training, open dialogue, and self-reflection.

· Equitable Practices: Regularly reviewing and revising policies, procedures, and decision-making processes to ensure fairness and access for all.

· Strategic Resource Allocation: Directing resources towards initiatives that empower diverse communities and dismantle systemic barriers.

· Meaningful Community Engagement: Partnering with the communities we serve to co-create solutions and foster trust.

· A Respectful Workplace: Providing a work environment free from discrimination and where every individual is valued, heard, and respected for their unique contributions.