Help clients feel seen and supported by providing thoughtful legal assessments that pave the way for stability and justice.

The Housing Intake and Assessment Attorney will work in the Intake and Assessment Unit (IAU) to triage emergency housing issues including preparing stays of execution, motions to set aside, and answers. The attorney will help conduct intake and assessment of new clients, with a focus on Orange County residents, via the CLA SoCal Hotline and outreach events. This full-time, hybrid, exempt position reports to the IAU Supervising Attorney.   

Responsibilities

• Provide counsel and advice and limited service to clients via our intake systems focused on housing law.
• Triage IAU intake clients who cannot be scheduled for a housing appointment.
• Work closely with intake screeners and paralegals around housing issues.
• Ensure timely and appropriate responses to requests for legal assistance.
• Collect client data for grant reporting purposes.
• Provide counsel and advice to clients in legal matters. 
• Maintain detailed and accurate case notes and timekeeping in case management system (LegalServer).
• Interview clients. Effectively and efficiently communicate with clients. 
• Engage in case investigation, witness interviews, factual and legal research.
• Research and write pleadings, memoranda, correspondence and other legal documents.
• Work with community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials.
• Engage in policy advocacy, coordinate, and collaborate in policy campaigns with partner community-based organizations to improve systemic issues.
• Direct and supervise the legal work of paralegal and law students, interns, and volunteers.
• Identify wrap around legal services and work collaboratively with CLA SoCal’s various legal units.
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

Education:

• Juris Doctor degree and an active member in good-standing of the California Bar or member to another state bar and ability to register as a legal services provider.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of, and comfort with, intake systems and technology – Preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Housing Law– Preferred. 
• Bilingual Language (Spanish or Vietnamese) - Preferred. 
• Organized, with ability to work on high-volume caseload.
• Experience with diverse client populations.
• Articulate, creative, and passionate advocate with excellent written and oral communication skills, computer skills, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong personal work ethic, initiative, and ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet critical deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to spot legal issues and provide real-time counsel & advice.
• Strong interpersonal and client communication skills.
• Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Empathetic and energetic attitude while working with others.
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.
• Commitment to CLA SoCal’s mission and values – Required.

Holistic Benefits:

• May work as little as 35-hour workweek. 
• A hybrid schedule may be available when the program is established.
• 16 paid holidays + PTO (including wellness days) starting Day 1
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Student loan reimbursement program
• Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff

About CLA SoCal:

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a welcoming and hopeful non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We provide equal employment opportunities. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities. All individuals who are seeking a welcoming environment who celebrate and value the unique characteristics of every member of the team who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.