Staff Attorney (Housing Justice – Santa Monica Workgroup)
Description:
POSITION: STAFF ATTORNEY – Housing Justice – Santa Monica Workgroup
LOCATION: Santa Monica Community Office
SALARY: $74,257.70- $101,054.47/ DOE with excellent benefits
AVAILABILITY: Immediately
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Continuous until position is filled.
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 200 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 Santa Monica Workgroup: LAFLA’s Santa Monica Workgroup is a community office assisting residents in the areas of housing, public benefits, and domestic violence and family advocacy, and operating for nearly 30 years in Santa Monica. We often coordinate our advocacy with other non-profits, community-based organizations, and local government agencies to help our clients gain the best results through a holistic model of community advocacy.
As an Attorney in LAFLA’s Santa Monica office, you will be practicing housing law in a role that covers the spectrum of pre-litigation intervention, coordinating with community partners for solutions, all the way to full scope court representation through the unlawful detainer process.
Requirements:
QUALIFICATIONS:
• We are seeking an advocate with two to nine years of experience who is passionate about addressing the housing crisis in Los Angeles County;
• Active membership in the California State Bar;
• Litigation experience in Superior Court preferred;
• Knowledge of California housing law, landlord-tenant law, and the eviction process preferred;
• Demonstrated commitment to serving the needs of low-income persons;
• Demonstrated ability to function professionally and effectively within a highly stressful environment;
• Ability to work effectively with government agencies, staff, volunteers, students, attorneys, and community members;
• 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 caseload or other obligations so necessitate.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
• You will provide direct representation and legal services to low-income Santa Monica tenants;
• Evaluate and potentially litigate unlawful detainers in the Superior Court located in Santa Monica;
• Interview and counsel clients affected by housing problems in Santa Monica;
• Participate in housing rights clinics with pro bono attorney volunteers and law students;
• Participate in other clinics and other community outreach projects;
• Other duties as assigned.
To Apply:
HOW TO APPLY -Please submit a cover letter and resume online to smjobs@lafla.org. Include “Attorney/Housing Justice – Santa Monica” in the subject line.
INTRODUCTORY PERIOD - A one-year introductory 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.
The organization is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees pursuant to applicable law. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation as part of the application process or expect to require an accommodation if hired, please contact humanresources@lafla.org.
BENEFITS & COMPENSATION – LAFLA offers a diverse environment with competitive compensation based on comparable public interest salaries. We also offer a generous benefits package for full-time employees including medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents, life insurance, long-term disability and long-term care insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan. Employees may also qualify for bilingual supplements, law student loan reimbursements, and a cell phone stipend.
Information
Submission Deadline:
May 8, 2024
Organization Information:
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
Santa Monica, CA
United States
See map: Google Maps
Organization URL: