Managing Attorney (Housing and Communities Workgroup)
The Job
The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) is accepting applications for the position of Managing Attorney to join its management team and lead a group of talented, resourceful and mission-driven attorneys who are dedicated to offering free legal services in low-income neighborhoods. Based out of our South Los Angeles Community office, the position offers an opportunity t
To lead a robust practice that includes impact litigation, policy advocacy and direct legal representation on behalf of clients throughout our service area. With your team, you will work to form legal strategies aimed at preventing unfair displacement, preserve and expand affordable housing and defend our clients’ civil rights. If you seek to use your legal training to remove barriers to opportunity, challenge the policies and practices that contribute to homelessness, and have the skills and passion to lead a team of similarly-motivated attorneys, then we encourage you to apply.
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 Managing 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 is the frontline law firm for low-income people in Los Angeles (www.LAFLA.org). LAFLA enters its 90th year working to level the playing field and ensure 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 working in the communities we serve to seek positive 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.
Salary
$94,893 to $124,022
Salary depends on experience and includes excellent benefits.
· Active membership in the California State Bar;
· Minimum eight (8) years’ experience in litigation and policy work, especially on matters of public interest affecting low-income individuals;
· Demonstrated knowledge of applicable law and community legal needs
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
· Demonstrated ability to handle and supervise the legal work of others both with respect to direct services, policy advocacy and complex litigation;
· Knowledge of principles of administration and supervision;
· Previous experience in a legal services program preferred, but not required;
· Ability to work cooperatively with staff effectively at all levels of the Foundation;
· Good people skills and the ability to maintain positive relations with a diverse population.
What your Workweek May Entail· Manage the workload of approximately seven attorneys in the Housing and Communities Workgroup in the areas of housing, community economic development, and civil rights;
· Serve as lead counsel on impact cases, trials and appeals in state and federal courts as appropriate;
· Work with the Director of Litigation & Policy to ensure the Foundation’s mission is being fulfilled and reflected in an annual work plan setting goals for the workgroup;
· Conduct annual performance evaluations of all staff assigned and implement performance standards;
· In conjunction with the development department, participate in resource development, including management of grants, as necessary, identifying and pursuing grants and other funding;
· Ensure regulatory compliance on cases reported to funders;
· Work with other Managing Attorneys to meet the overall goals of the Foundation;
· Secure training opportunities for staff attorneys in relevant substantive legal areas; and
· Conduct case review meetings to ensure that legal services provided are consistent with LAFLA’s priorities, policies and procedures, and that they maximize office resources to provide the highest quality client service.
HOW TO APPLY -Please submit a cover letter and resume online to jobs@lafla.org. Include “Managing Attorney – Housing and Communities” 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.