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Description:
<p> The Housing Staff Attorney will work as a member of the housing team to serve and represent low-income and senior tenants who are experiencing issues with their subsidized housing. This full-time exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney.</p>
<p><b> Responsibilities</b></p>
<ul>
<li> Maintain a caseload of housing-related matters, including, but not limited to matters involving federally subsidized housing, administrative hearing representation, and potentially eviction defense.</li>
<li> Handle administrative hearings before Administrative Law Judges and Hearing Officers selected by cities and Housing Authorities, negotiations, settlements, and writs to Federal and State Court of with primary emphasis on subsidized housing issues and legal issues involving access to housing.</li>
<li> Engage in policy advocacy to improve access to and preservation of affordable housing opportunities for low-income residents.</li>
<li> Actively participate in community groups and coalitions on issues impacting service-eligible populations.</li>
<li> Represent clients, counsel and advise clients in legal matters.</li>
<li> Maintain detailed and accurate case notes and timekeeping in case management system (LegalServer).</li>
<li> Interview clients. Effectively and efficiently communicate with clients.</li>
<li> Engage in case investigation, witness interviews, factual and legal research.</li>
<li> Research and write pleadings, memoranda, correspondence and other legal documents.</li>
<li> Engage in negotiation and settlement discussions with adverse parties and their legal representatives.</li>
<li> Engage in policy advocacy, coordinate, and collaborate in policy campaigns with partner community-based organizations to improve systemic issues.</li>
<li> Work with community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials.</li>
<li> Direct and supervise the legal work of paralegal and law students, interns, and volunteers.</li>
<li> Identify wrap-around legal services and work collaboratively with CLA SoCal’s various legal units.</li>
<li> Work with a multi-cultural perspective of inclusion and diversity.</li>
<li> Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.</li>
</ul> Requirements:
<ul>
<li>Juris Doctor degree and an active member in good-standing of the California Bar or member to another state bar and ability to register as a legal services provider.</li>
<li> Familiarity with subsidized housing law - Preferred.</li>
<li> Litigation experience including propounding and responding to discovery, taking and defending depositions, and representing clients in trial - Preferred.</li>
<li> Experience representing client before administrative agencies - Preferred.</li>
<li> Articulate, creative, and passionate advocate with excellent written and oral communication skills, computer skills, and problem-solving skills.</li>
<li> Strong personal work ethic, initiative, and ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet critical deadlines with minimal supervision.</li>
<li> Ability to spot legal issues and comfort with providing real-time counsel & advice</li>
<li> Strong interpersonal skill, client communication skills and comfort working with indigent clients</li>
<li> Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and document preparation software.</li>
<li> Great organizational skills with keen attention to detail.</li>
<li> Empathetic and energetic attitude while working with others.</li>
<li> Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.</li>
<li> Proven interest in social justice issues.</li>
<li> Ability to model CLA SoCal’s values (compassion, collaboration, trust, accountability and equity) in the performance of job duties – Required</li>
<li> Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy or other ability to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners.</li>
<li> Prior legal services advocacy experience - Preferred</li>
<li> Bilingual proficiency - Preferred</li>
<li> Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required as a condition of employment before date of hire. Reasonable accommodations will be considered upon request.</li>
</ul>
<p><b> What We Offer</b></p>
<p> CLA SoCal provides employees with training, professional development and growth opportunities, competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative team spirit. Our staff members work a 35-hour week with a flexible and hybrid work schedule. Some positions may work beyond a 35-hour week, including evening and weekend meetings and events, when caseload or other obligations necessitate. We offer an outstanding benefits package with rich medical/dental/vision/life insurance, long-term disability, and additional supplemental insurance. Our employees enjoy 16 paid holidays a year, vacation, personal time, and sick leave on their first day. Furthermore, we offer a competitive Law School Loan Reimbursement program, 401k with employer contribution, and a monetary bonus for eligible employees who can prove bilingual proficiency.</p>
<p><b> About Community Legal Aid and Our Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion</b></p>
<p> Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a diverse non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We focus on removing barriers to equitable access and provide compassionate, high-quality legal aid. CLA SoCal is an Equal Opportunity employer who seeks to fill all positions with people who share our values, including our organizational commitment to diversity. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities.</p>
<p> Please note, research suggests that individuals identifying as Black, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Indigenous, members of the LGBQIA community, women, and people living with disabilities may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.</p>
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