Neighborhood Defender Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Change Lives and Transform Communities - Join Our Shriver Housing Project Team!
Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) provides free assistance to over 160,000 individuals and families each year through innovative projects that expand access to justice. Our mission is to unravel entrenched disparities caused by systemic racism and inequality. We see the law as a powerful tool for social change and we're looking for passionate individuals to help us fight for justice.
We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we believe that a strong community is built through inclusivity. NLSLA is proud to foster an environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and abilities, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
About the Role
We're seeking a licensed attorney to join our eviction defense team. The Staff Attorney will be an integral part of a dynamic team of advocates at four public interest law offices working on a pilot project examining the impact of legal services on individuals, the court and the community in the Unlawful Detainer system. The attorney will defend tenants against eviction in cases in Los Angeles County. The attorney will work directly with clients and engage in all stages of litigation, including intake, pleadings, discovery, motions, hearings, settlement, administrative hearings, and trial. Addressing systemic issues through impact litigation in state and federal court. Working with community partners to develop resources and strategies for protecting homeowners and tenants; providing outreach and education to tenants and community groups; and assisting with some training of support staff. At times, the Staff Attorney will be responsible for working with NLSLA staff and volunteers to operate our self-help legal access center at the Stanley Mosk courthouse.
In this role, you would report to the Supervising Attorney. This position is exempt.
What You'll Do
• Provide counsel and advice on a variety of housing matters and represent tenants in administrative hearings with local housing authorities and through trial in unlawful detainer proceedings.
• Manage a varied caseload.
• Prepare educational materials.
• Participate in community events.
• Collaborate with pro bono partners.
• Train and supervise students, support staff and other volunteers working with the program.
• This position may also include some work on policy issues related to housing/evictions and court appearances when appropriate.
• Travel to other NLSLA branch offices, courts, government agencies, shelters and community-based organizations in Los Angeles County may be required.
Requirements
What You'll Need
• A Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• An active California State Bar license.
• Minimum 2-3 Years of experience in Housing Law, preferably eviction defense.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent writing, speaking and organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with clients, community organizations, attorneys, the judiciary, and the public.
• Ability to work effectively with staff and volunteers.
• Enjoy working with the public and available to work core hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Passion about public service work.
• Passion for NLSLA mission and demonstrated commitment to advocating for the legal rights of low-income individuals.
• Passion, empathy, and compassion for supporting people from different lived experiences.
• Knowledge of MS Office, Windows, business communication platforms, and web-based case management platforms.
Bonus Points if You
• Are bilingual in Spanish, due to the high number of Spanish-speaking residents in the community, or in any of the other Los Angeles threshold languages, which is highly valued in our community outreach efforts.
Why You'll Love Working with Us
At NLSLA, we believe in supporting our staff as they grow in their careers and live balanced lives. We offer:
• Competitive Salary: $85,000-$93,000, based on experience.
• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, 2 to 5 weeks of vacation depending on seniority, and 12 days of sick leave. Compensatory time for exempt employees.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
o Medical, dental, and vision insurance with a variety of plan options.
o Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance.
o 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions and options for voluntary contributions.
o Monthly bilingual supplement for qualified employees.
o Lawyer student loan reimbursement assistance program.
• A Culture of Inclusion: We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive.
• Perks: Technology reimbursement to help you stay connected and equipped to do your best work.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
NLSLA is committed to provide a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of each individual and is free from all forms of employment discrimination based on each and every characteristic protected under the law and beyond.
Decisions related to hiring, compensating, training, evaluating performance, promoting, or terminating are made fairly, and are based on job-related qualities and abilities. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and employees. We examine our unconscious biases and take responsibility for always striving to create an inclusive environment that makes every employee and candidate feel welcome.
We further expect every member of the NLSLA community to do their part to cultivate and maintain an environment where everyone has the opportunity to feel included and is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve.
We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Please note that, in limited circumstances, certain convictions may be considered incompatible with the responsibilities of specific roles, particularly where the safety and well-being of vulnerable client populations are a concern.
NLSLA's Commitments
We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging within our organization and the communities we serve. We achieve this through:

• Continuous Learning: Cultivating cultural competency and humility among staff through ongoing training, open dialogue, and self-reflection.
• Equitable Practices: Regularly reviewing and revising policies, procedures, and decision-making processes to ensure fairness and access for all.
• Strategic Resource Allocation: Directing resources towards initiatives that empower communities.
• Meaningful Community Engagement: Partnering with the communities we serve to co-create solutions and foster trust.
• A Respectful Workplace: Providing a work environment free from discrimination and where every individual is valued, heard, and respected for their unique contributions.

Salary Description
Salary Range: $85,000-$93,000