Fall Semester Law Clerk (Eviction Defense Center)
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 150 employees, including more than 70 attorneys, who provide free services and resources on a broad range of civil legal issues that impact health, 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 Eviction Defense Center, created in 1983, is the first large-scale eviction defense program. Right to Counsel is a new project that brings much-needed eviction defense resources to tenants in Los Angeles County communities through the program Stay Housed Los Angeles, in coordination with other legal service providers and tenant organizers. The EDC team fights to preserve, defend, and protect tenancies, and advocates for a Right to Counsel for all tenants.
LAFLA is currently accepting applications for the position of Fall Semester Law Clerk. The estimated time commitment is 10-12 weekly hours for at least 10 weeks. This position will focus on supporting legal clinics and workshops in collaboration with the Stay Housed Los Angeles program.
NOTE: This position is a part of a special program created using designated funds. There is no assurance of ongoing funding or employment beyond the 2022 Fall semester (approx. 3 months).
Examples of Duties:
- Participate in remote and/or in-person legal clinics as well as other community outreach and education projects;
- Conduct client intake;
- Interview and counsel clients on various legal issues, under attorney supervision;
- Research legal issues and prepare clinic resources and materials;
- Draft pleadings such as unlawful detainer answers, under attorney supervision; and
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Must be currently enrolled in law school
- Understanding of and commitment to housing and social justice;
- Knowledge of landlord-tenant law preferred;
- Experience in providing assistance to low-income or homeless individuals, including interviewing;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Demonstrated ability to work independently; and
- Ability to work collaboratively with all LAFLA staff, clients, and community organizations.
Please submit a cover letter and resume online to edcjobs@lafla.org. Include “Law Clerk – EDC” in the subject line.
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.