Staff Attorney Self-Help Tenant Hotline (Hybrid)

Are you committed to empowering your community through advocacy to help tenants protect their rights?

The Bilingual Self-Help Tenant Hotline Staff Attorney works with staff paralegals, Justice Corp fellows and interns, law student and paralegal interns, and volunteers to provide legal information and education to self-represented litigants. 

The Self-Help staff attorney will be working on a high-volume information phone line remotely that assists litigants with their cases in Los Angeles County. The attorney will also be assigned to work onsite at the Self-Help Center in the Compton Courthouse as needed. This full-time hybrid position reports to the Supervising Attorney.

Responsibilities:

• Respond to a high-volume legal information hotline by conducting client intakes, accurately coding services, and providing accurate legal information to callers.
• Provide legal information and education to self-represented litigants, primarily in unlawful detainer and housing matters, through structured interviews and direct assistance in a fast-paced environment.
• Review and assess self-prepared legal documents and pleadings submitted by self-represented litigants and provide appropriate legal information and guidance.
• Supervise Self-Help staff and contribute to the overall work of the Self-Help Unit, including assisting with the provision of legal information in other civil legal matters as needed.
• Provide legal analysis and conduct factual and legal research to support Self-Help paralegals, intake staff, and volunteers in delivering accurate legal information and education to litigants.
• Interview litigants and communicate legal information effectively, ensuring clarity and professionalism.
• Review and assess self-prepared legal documents, including pleadings, memoranda, correspondence, and related materials.
• Supervise and direct the legal work of paralegals, law students, interns, and volunteers, and participate in community outreach and education as needed.
• Work with a multicultural perspective.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

Education:

• 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.

Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy and ability to travel frequently in and around the service area- Required. 
• Bilingual Spanish proficiency- Required.
• Prior legal services advocacy experience – Preferred.
• Gain knowledge of Landlord-Tenant law, including unlawful detainer notices, pleadings, answers, and motions.
• Gain Knowledge of other areas of Civil Law, such as Family Law and Consumer Debt. 
• Strong legal research, writing skills, and experience with form preparation for Civil Cases from start to completion. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with strong problem-solving ability, creativity, and effective use of technology.
• Strong work ethic and initiative, with the ability to organize time, manage multiple priorities, and meet critical deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to identify legal issues and provide real-time guidance to Self-Help staff, supported by strong interpersonal and client communication skills, including experience working with indigent clients.
• Strong technical and organizational skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and keen attention to detail.
• Demonstrated commitment to learning and knowledge-sharing, with an empathetic, collaborative, and energetic approach to teamwork.
• Ability to effectively engage with a wide range client population utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed practices.
• Commitment and ability to model CLA SoCal’s values and mission – Required.

Holistic Benefits:

• 35-hour workweek - the work dictates the work schedule; some positions may work weekends or evenings.
• Hybrid Schedule
• 16 paid holidays + PTO (including wellness days) starting Day 1
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Student loan reimbursement program
• Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff

About CLA SoCal:

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a welcoming and hopeful non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We provide equal employment opportunities. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities. All individuals who are seeking a welcoming environment who celebrate and value the unique characteristics of every member of the team who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.