Attorney (Economic Stability Workgroup)
The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) is the frontline law firm for low-income people in Los Angeles and is currently accepting applications for the position of Attorney. LAFLA seeks to achieve equal justice for poor and low-income people in Greater Los Angeles. We change lives through direct representation, systems change, and community education.
The Organization: LAFLA (www.LAFLA.org) 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. Every year, LAFLA helps more than 100,000 people in civil legal matters by providing direct legal representation and other legal assistance for low-income people across the Greater Los Angeles region. 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 has over 100 employees with over 70 attorneys. LAFLA operates five neighborhood offices and several off-site locations. For more information, please visit www.lafla.org.
*NOTE – This position is part of a special program created using designated funds. There is no assurance of ongoing funding or employment beyond June 2022.
- Active membership in the California State Bar with two to five years experience;
- Demonstrated commitment to serving the needs of low-income people;
- Litigation experience, including case evaluation, legal research and writing, discovery, negotiations, and administrative hearing or trial experience preferred;
- Familiarity with government benefits programs such as General Relief, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) and other cash aid programs;
- Previous public interest experience preferred; 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.
- Conduct extensive interviews with potential or retained clients;
- Review medical records and Social Security and Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) notices;
- Assess merit for representation based on extensive review of medical records and other documents; and
- Assist disabled and low-income clients with obtaining or maintaining Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income or CAPI benefits through negotiation with the Social Security Administration and the Disability Determination Services agency, representation at administrative appeals or litigation in federal court.
Please submit a cover letter and resume online to jobs@lafla.org. Include “Attorney-Economic Stability 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.