Default Attorney (Shriver Housing Project)
NLSLA is seeking a Shriver Staff Attorney to represent tenants in eviction and/or post judgment proceedings. The Staff Attorney will be an integral part of a dynamic team of advocates from 4 public interest law offices working on a pilot project examining the impact of legal services on individuals, the court and the community in the Unlawful Detainer system. The ideal candidate will be a skillful attorney who can excel in a fast-paced, dynamic anti-poverty law practice and is capable of fiercely advocating on behalf of NLSLA clients. The candidate must have a demonstrated passion and commitment to public interest law. Prior experience serving low-income individuals and client groups on housing and eviction matters, with a sensitivity to those in crisis is preferred. The ideal candidate must possess strong research and organizational skills; the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing; and well-developed analytical skills. The candidate must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently. Bilingual verbal, reading, and writing proficiency in Spanish is preferred.
Position: Staff Attorney Availability: Immediate, position open until filled. Work Site: Glendale Office/Stanley Mosk Courthouse
Compensation: Starting salary $60,000.00 - Commensurate with experience. Excellent Benefits which including: choice of medical, dental, vision; life and disability insurance plans; 125 plan; 403(b) with employer contribution, loan reimbursement, bilingual pay supplement, sick and vacation pay, and 13 employer-paid holidays.
Duties and Responsibilities: Advocate duties include but not limited to assisting litigants with preparation of pro per motions to set aside their default, brief counsel/advice, intake/assessment of merits in the underlying eviction case for possible extended services, facilitating workshops related to the default process/preparation of forms, and representation at default hearing on select cases. This position may also include some work on policies issues related to housing/evictions and affirmative litigation when appropriate. Some travel to other NLSLA branch offices, courts, government agencies, shelters and community-based organizations in Los Angeles County may be required.
Minimum Qualifications: Must be licensed and eligible to practice law in California with two or three years of experience in housing law.
About NLSLA: NLSLA is one of Los Angeles County's leading public interest law offices for more than 50 years with a special focus on the San Fernando, San Gabriel, Antelope and Pomona Valley areas of the county. The NLSLA staff of 135+, including 55 lawyers, provides legal assistance to low-income individuals, families and groups in the areas of family law and domestic violence, housing, health care, education, public benefits, economic and job development, immigrant rights, consumer rights and environmental justice. NLSLA headquarters is located in Glendale, CA with branch offices in Pacoima, El Monte and Boyle Heights. Through a combination of individual representation, high impact litigation and public policy advocacy, NLSLA combats the immediate and long-lasting effects of poverty and expands access to health, opportunity and justice in Los Angeles’ diverse neighborhoods. Founded in response to the nation’s War on Poverty, each Year. NLSLA provides free assistance to more than 100,000 individuals and families through innovative projects that address the most critical needs of impoverished communities.
The ideal candidate will be a skillful attorney who can excel in a fast-paced, dynamic anti-poverty law practice and is capable of fiercely advocating on behalf of NLSLA clients. The candidate must have a demonstrated passion and commitment to public interest law. Prior experience serving low-income individuals and client groups on housing and eviction matters, with a sensitivity to those in crisis is preferred. The ideal candidate must possess strong research and organizational skills; the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing; and well-developed analytical skills. The candidate must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently. Bilingual verbal, reading, and writing proficiency in Spanish is preferred. Must be licensed and eligible to practice law in California with two or three years of experience in housing law.
To apply: Applicants should send a cover letter, resume and a writing sample to:
Elizabeth Brown, Director of Human Resources Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County
1102 E. Chevy Chase Drive Glendale, CA 91205 Fax: (818) 291-1790 E-mail: employment@nlsla.org
NLSLA is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at NLSLA are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to age, race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by federal and CA state laws. NLSLA will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.