Attorney (Housing and Communities Workgroup, Tenant Empowerment And Mobile Home Advocacy)
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 Housing and Communities Workgroup prevents unfair displacement and preserves and expands affordable housing. It also defends the rights of unhoused individuals and families and provides legal support to community-based organizations seeking to build healthy, economically vibrant communities.
Tenant Empowerment and Anti-Harassment Project: The project integrates COVID rental debt defense and affirmative anti-harassment efforts into a single program to provide a streamlined and comprehensive program to address significant issues facing low-income Los Angeles tenants. Attorneys will bring affirmative tenant harassment lawsuits in Los Angeles City and County and compulsory crossclaims for harassment in defending cases for unpaid rent converted to a consumer debt under the COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act.
Mobile Home Advocacy Project: The Mobile Home Advocacy Collaborative provides comprehensive legal assistance to vulnerable mobile homeowners at risk of losing their housing. In collaboration with other legal service providers, LAFLA provides representation on issues arising out of landlord/tenant disputes under the Mobile Home Residency Law Act.
LAFLA is currently accepting applications for the position of Attorney.
NOTE – This position is part of a special program created using designated funds. There is no assurance of ongoing funding or employment beyond 24 months.
*Assigned location is subject to change during course of employment.
- Active membership in the California State Bar;
- Litigation experience in Superior Court;
- Demonstrated knowledge of California housing law;
- Public policy advocacy and/or community lawyering experience is considered a plus;
- Excellent written and verbal communication;
- Experience with diverse client population and a commitment to promoting anti-racism;
- Experience handling a variety of legal matters impacting poor and low income populations;
- Ability to manage multiple active cases simultaneously; 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.
- Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (i.e., at least 2 weeks after last dose) and, if hired, present proof of vaccination by start date.
- File lawsuits on behalf of clients facing rental debt or tenant harassment;
- Provide direct representation and assistance to mobile home owners;
- Provide education to advocates and the community around Los Angeles County and City Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinances and rental debt issues arising from COVID-19 tenant protections;
- Develop case strategies and work plans for matters assigned;
- Draft pleadings, legal documents, trial memoranda, appellate briefs and community education materials;
- Actively participate in community groups and coalitions on issues, such as systemic racism, impacting service-eligible populations;
- Work on public policy issues impacting low income individuals and communities including issues of systemic racism.
Please submit a cover letter and resume online to hocojobs@lafla.org. Include “Attorney-Housing and Communities (Tenant Empowerment)” in the subject line.
INTRODUCTORY PERIOD – A one-year introductory period will be required.
VACCINATION POLICY AND COVID-19 PROTOCOLS – LAFLA requires all staff, including new hires, to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (i.e., at least 2 weeks after last dose) and have received at least one COVID-19 booster shot. If hired, all employees must present proof of vaccination by their start date.
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.
The company is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees pursuant to applicable law. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation as part of the application process or expect to require an accommodation if hired, please contact humanresources@lafla.org.
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. Eligible employees may also qualify for bilingual supplements, law student loan reimbursements, and a cell phone stipend. Please visit https://lafla.org/get-involved/careers/ for our salary scale for union, non-management staff.