Staff Attorney (Foreclosure Prevention Unit)
Description:
Northwest Justice Project (NJP) seeks qualified attorneys for its Foreclosure Prevention Unit (FPU). FPU attorneys work in collaboration with the statewide network of foreclosure defense advocates to address the legal needs of homeowners to mitigate or prevent home foreclosure throughout Washington state. NJP is offering an opportunity to work in an exciting and highly mission driven legal aid environment working as part of a statewide legal team.
JOB DUTIES:
The Foreclosure Prevention Unit attorney will:
- Work under the direction of NJP’s FPU Managing Attorney to develop and implement a response to the many homeowners facing mortgage delinquencies and foreclosure as a result of the COVID-19 health emergency.
- Develop collaborative working relationships with a statewide network of housing counseling agencies to support their work through case referrals and general legal assistance.
- Provide direct legal assistance to homeowners coping with the consequences of mortgage delinquency, and assess client eligibility for workout options such as loan modification and/or loan forbearance.
- Represent homeowners under the Foreclosure Fairness Act, in non-judicial proceedings such as meet-and-confers and foreclosure mediation.
- Represent homeowners in strategic litigation aimed at preserving homeownership and curbing industry bad actors.
- Identify and develop resources for use by homeowners in mediation and other foreclosure related issues.
- Provide training for participating attorneys, housing counselors, community advocates and others on legal issues related to mortgage foreclosure.
- Respond to inquiries from housing counselors and others working with low-income persons seeking to avoid foreclosure.
- Develop and participate in outreach activities and community engagement activities around foreclosure prevention.
Requirements:
- Washington State Bar membership in good standing, the ability to acquire membership through admission by motion, or willing and able to take next bar is required
- Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income persons.
- Experience in Washington real property and mortgage foreclosure law or comparable related experience is preferred, specifically with residential property foreclosure matters either on behalf of homeowners/borrowers or lenders, trustees, or other financial service entities involved with mortgage lending, foreclosure, loan work out agreements and similar legal assistance activities.
- Experience assisting clients in other consumer statutes, such as Truth-in-Lending or unfair and deceptive practices, will be viewed favorably.
- Knowledge and experience in personal bankruptcy law is also a plus.
- Requires a deep understanding of and sympathy for the impacts economic crises can have on individuals and families. The successful candidate must demonstrate a critical understanding of the disparate impacts economic crises have on BIPOC households.
- Able to work collaboratively and with a diverse array of clients, co-workers, opposing counsel and public and private entities.
Northwest Justice Project is a publicly funded and regulated entity subject to various funding restrictions, and reporting requirements. The attorney must be willing to work within the context of these requirements.
To Apply:
Information
Submission Deadline:
February 10, 2022
Organization Information:
Northwest Justice Project
Seattle, WA
98104
United States
See map: Google Maps
Organization URL: