Staff Attorney- Benefits Access for Immigrants Los Angeles

Change Lives and Transform Communities – Join Our Public Benefits 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. 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 is seeking an attorney to help support the Benefits Access for Immigrants Los Angeles (BAILA) Network, a collaboration between legal services providers, community health workers, community clinics, and other organizations to help eligible immigrants access public benefits like Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, and CAPI and SSA benefits. This collaboration aims to seamlessly link individuals and families to benefit enrollment assistance, legal services, and other resources to maximize benefit enrollment and retention, helping to lift people out of poverty and reduce food insecurity. (Learn more at www.bailanetwork.org.) 

The attorney would work closely with members of NLSLA’s BAILA team and Public Benefits Team to provide direct legal services to clients related to benefits access and retention issues; engage in systemic advocacy related to benefits access for the immigrant community; conduct community outreach and education efforts; and coordinate with BAILA Network partners and other social services providers.

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

What You’ll Do

• Provide direct legal services to support client access to food assistance (CalFresh), cash assistance (CalWORKs), and disability-based programs (including SSI, SSDI, and CAPI).
• Do legal research and draft memos, letters, administrative and court documents, and client-facing legal education materials.
• Advocate for clients in front of entities like the Social Security Administration and the L.A. County Department of Public Social Services.
• Represent clients in administrative hearings.
• Engage in systemic policy advocacy related to immigrant access to public benefits (this may include writing comment letters on proposed legislation, meeting with state and local officials to discuss barriers to access, and collaborating with other advocates).
• Lead community legal education efforts on issues like public charge, benefits eligibility, and data privacy.
• Provide training and technical assistance to other organizations and legal services providers and promote access to public benefits in a range of forums.
• Coordinate with BAILA Network partners.
• Travel to NLSLA program offices, courthouses, and other locations throughout Los Angeles County may be required.

What You’ll Need

• A JD from an accredited law school and active California State Bar license.
• Ability to work closely with clients from different backgrounds with both effectiveness and compassion.
• Passion for NLSLA mission and demonstrated commitment to advocating for the legal rights of low-income individuals.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Passion, empathy, and compassion for supporting people from different lived experiences.

Bonus Points if You

• Have prior experience working with programs serving low-income people in the substantive areas of poverty law, including public benefits.
• Have experience working in a legal aid setting.
• Are bilingual in Spanish, due to the high number of Spanish-speaking residents in the community.

What NLSLA Offers
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. Exempt employees are eligible for compensatory time in accordance with company policy.
• 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 and options for voluntary contributions.
  • Monthly bilingual supplement for qualified employees.
• 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.