Attorney (Self-Help Legal Center Workgroup)
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 and our flexible hybrid work environment 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 Self-Help Legal Access Centers assist individuals who represent themselves (regardless of income or immigration status); and offers legal information, help with preparing court forms, and guidance on a variety of civil legal matters. They also provide referrals to private attorneys or legal services programs as needed.
LAFLA is currently accepting applications for the position of Attorney.
NOTE –All positions are subject to funding; ongoing funding or employment cannot be assured.
Examples of Duties:
- Meet with pro se litigants onsite at the Inglewood or Long Beach Courthouse to ensure meaningful access to the civil justice system; ongoing activities include the preparation of civil court forms and provision of legal information and referrals.
- Create and conduct workshops for pro se litigants with landlord-tenant, family law, and consumer matters.
- Develop and maintain plain language self-help materials.
- Collaborate closely with court staff and legal service partner agencies to carry out coordinated assistance.
- In conjunction with the LAFLA Pro Bono Director and Self-Help Managing Attorney, recruit, train and supervise volunteer attorneys, law students, JusticeCorps members, and community volunteers.
- Occasionally assist at other onsite Self-Help Legal Access Centers, as well as with the remote Self-Help Center hotline, as needed.
- Active membership in the California State Bar.
- Demonstrated commitment to serving the needs of low-income people.
- Knowledge of landlord-tenant law, family law, and/or consumer law preferred.
- Ability to work effectively with government agencies, staff, volunteers, students, attorneys, and community members.
- Excellent writing and public speaking skills.
- 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 obligations so necessitate
Please submit a cover letter and resume online to shwgjobs@lafla.org. Include “Attorney-Self Help” in the subject line.
INTRODUCTORY 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.
VACCINATION POLICY AND COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
LAFLA requires all staff, including new hires, to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 with the exception of staff who are entitled to a reasonable accommodation due to a medical disability or sincerely held religious belief under the law, unless doing so would pose an undue hardship. Staff will be required to submit proof that you are fully vaccinated upon hire.