Staff Attorney – Medical Legal Community Partnership (MLCP)

Medical Legal Community Partnership (MLCP) Staff Attorney – Trauma Recovery Center

  Change Lives and Transform Communities – Join Our Medical Legal Community Partnership 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

NLSLA seeks an attorney to join its Medical-Legal Community Partnership (MLCP) team, providing legal services to survivors of trauma through Olive View-UCLA Medical Center’s Trauma Recovery Center (OVMC TRC). This role focuses on addressing the legal issues that impact patients’ well-being, including family law, healthcare access, housing, immigration, public benefits, and re-entry.

As part of the MLCP-LA project, a collaboration with LA County DHS, DMH, and legal service providers, the attorney will work alongside medical and mental health professionals to support patients in crisis. Through this partnership, NLSLA integrates legal advocacy into healthcare settings to improve patient outcomes and stability.

This position involves direct legal services, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and engagement with community partners to expand access to justice for vulnerable individuals.

In this role, you would report to the Supervising Attorney. This position is exempt and temporary.

What You’ll Do

Under the guidance of the MLCP Supervisor, the OVMC TRC attorney will:

· Maintain an active caseload composed of direct patient referrals and technical assistance requests. Advocacy may include informal, administrative, litigation and/or policy work on a wide variety of substantive legal areas impacting the social determinants of health;

· Collaborate with OVMC TRC staff including medical providers, community health workers, and other staff through ongoing engagement, technical assistance, weekly case reviews, and representing NLSLA at meetings;

· Provide direct client services to OVMC TRC patients who are experiencing legal issues;

· Support MLCP paralegals on substantive legal issues;

· Serve as an escalation point for service delivery issues arising out of OVMC TRC;

· Track data and case outcomes obtained for reporting requirements for the OVMC TRC medical legal partnership;

· Conduct process, skills, and substantive trainings for OVMC TRC staff, patients, and other community members.

· Travel to NLSLA program offices, and other locations throughout Los Angeles County may be required.

What You’ll Need

· A Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.

· An active California State Bar license.

· Active practice of law for a minimum of two to three (2-3) years.

· Experience working in a pro bono and/or legal aid setting.

· Knowledge of MS Office, Windows, business communication platforms, and web-based case management platforms.

· Excellent interpersonal skills, including being attentive to cultural needs and differences.

· Passion for NLSLA’s mission and demonstrated commitment to advocating for the legal rights of low-income individuals.

· Excellent writing, research, organizational skills and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with clients, healthcare providers, community organizations, attorneys, the judiciary and the public.

· Passion, empathy, and compassion for supporting people from different lived experiences.

Bonus Points if You

· Previous experience with the Medical Legal Partnership model and expertise in one or more of the substantive legal areas impacting the Social Determinants of Health including: family law, healthcare access, housing, immigration, public benefits, re-entry and more.

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: $78,000–$86,000, based on experience.

· Work-Life Balance: A 35-hour workweek and a hybrid work schedule to help you balance professional and personal commitments.

· 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:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with a variety of plan options.
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions and options for voluntary contributions.
• Monthly bilingual supplement for qualified employees.
• 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.

Apply Today
Are you ready to make a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable families in Los Angeles?

Apply now to join our team and be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to justice and equity.

We are excited to hear from you!

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.

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.