Attorney (DOORS Reentry Project)
Are you interested in joining an organization dedicated to increasing access to justice while addressing systemic inequities among the most vulnerable members of the Greater Los Angeles area? If yes, LAFLA is the place for you!
The Organization: LAFLA is a nonprofit law firm that protects and advances the rights of the most underserved—leveling the playing field and ensuring that everyone can have access to the justice system. With more than 90 years of service, LAFLA is the first and most experienced legal aid organization in Greater Los Angeles. LAFLA has more than 170 employees, including more than 80 attorneys, who provide free services and resources on a broad range of civil legal issues that impact healthy, safety, and self-sufficiency. Every year, LAFLA helps more than 100,000 people find their voice, regain control of their lives, and build a brighter future. Our unique combination of neighborhood offices, self-help centers at courthouses, and domestic violence clinics puts LAFLA on the frontlines in communities at the forefront of change. LAFLA also engages in impact litigation to help enact long-term systemic change—actively collaborating with a network of public and private partners to expand access to justice, identify needs in the communities we serve, and change laws and policies that adversely affect the underserved. For more information, please visit www.lafla.org
The Position: ATTORNEY- DOORS Reentry Project position will provide legal assistance to reentry individuals. It will require working collaboratively with staff and volunteers to record clearing services to re-entry individuals. The position will also require services in a clinic setting including in a pre-clinic phase and a post-clinic phase.
NOTE – This position is part of a special program created using designated funds. There is no assurance of ongoing funding or employment beyond 2025.
LAFLA is currently accepting applications for the position of Attorney – DOORS Reentry Project.
· Active membership in the California State Bar;
· Prefer experience working in diverse poverty law issues such as housing, benefits advocacy, etc.;
· Some knowledge of criminal justice related barriers to employment such as driver’s license reinstatement is preferred;
· Ability to work effectively with a large caseload and function professionally within a highly stressful environment;
· Demonstrated commitment to serving the needs of low-income and homeless individuals;
· Ability to work effectively as part of a team including other attorneys, support staff, volunteers, and community partners;
· Excellent writing and public speaking skills; and
· Willingness to work beyond a minimum 7.0 hour workday, including evening and weekend meetings and events, and workweeks in excess of 35 hours when caseload or other obligations so necessitate.
Examples of Duties:· Interview and counsel clients on various legal issues;
· Work collaboratively with case managers from criminal justice related community based organizations to provide holistic services;
· Represent individuals in hearings on various legal issues;
· Assist clients with government benefits applications and appeals;
· Remove legal barriers to employment such as expungement of criminal records, sentence reduction, citation defense, and other post-conviction/criminal record related work.
· Provide workshops/clinics and other community outreach projects on various relevant legal topics;
· Learn various legal areas to remove clients’ legal barriers to housing and benefits; and
· Other duties as assigned.
Please submit a cover letter and resume online to spwgjobs@lafla.org. Include “ATTORNEY- DOORS,” in the subject line.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD – A one-year probationary period will be required.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER – Selection will be based solely on merit and will be without discrimination because of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, religion, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, marital or registered domestic partners status, or any other legally protected status.
Benefits & CompensationLAFLA offers a diverse environment with competitive compensation based on comparable public interest salaries. We also offer a generous benefits package for full-time employees including medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents, life insurance, long-term disability and long-term care insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan. Employees may also qualify for bilingual supplements, law student loan reimbursements, and a cell phone stipend.