Post Graduate Fellow- Stay Housed LA Project

Post Graduate Fellow- Stay Housed LA Project 

(2-Year Fellowship with Option to Continue) 

NLSLA provides free assistance to more than 175,000 individuals and families a year through innovative projects that expand access to justice and address the most critical needs of people living in poverty throughout Los Angeles.  We are a community of people who see the law as a powerful tool to fight for individual rights and social change. Our work aims to unravel entrenched disparities that have resulted from longstanding injustice, systemic racism, and institutionalized inequality.  

As such, we know that a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences enhance our vision. This value is embodied within the diversity of our community offerings and among the colleagues that help enliven our culture. Cultivating an inclusive work environment that values a range of talent and ideas is a top priority for us. We enthusiastically encourage candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply.  

ABOUT THIS POSITION: 

Stay Housed L.A is a partnership between Los Angeles County, the City of Los Angeles and local community and legal service providers to implement a county-wide right to counsel program. Together, we provide the tenants of Los Angeles County with a range of services from providing legal information and resources, to advice and counsel, and legal representation for tenants, meeting city and county eligibility requirements, in court eviction proceedings. NLSLA is seeking current 3Ls and recent law school graduates to join our eviction defense team, which is tasked with addressing the housing crisis in Los Angeles through this county-wide right to counsel program.  The Post Graduate Fellow will defend tenants against eviction in cases filed in the Stanley Mosk, Chatsworth, Van Nuys, Pasadena, Antelope Valley and West Covina courthouses.   

In this role, you would report to the Associate Supervising Attorney and a career path may result in future opportunities. This position is exempt. 

THIS POSITION MAY BE RIGHT FOR YOU IF:  

• YOU THRIVE IN A FAST-PACED ENVIRONMENT and excel at moving through tasks and problem solving independently. 
• YOU ARE COMFORTABLE MULTI-TASKING and maintain composure and productivity amongst competing priorities and responsibilities. 
• YOU KNOW THAT INTEGRITY MATTERS and exhibit a strong adherence to ethical standards including, but not limited to, the ability to maintain confidentiality and fiduciary responsibility. 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO DO IN THIS ROLE: 

• Assist with defending tenants against eviction in all stages of litigation. 
• Responsibilities include interviewing and counseling clients affected by housing issues, participating in clinics and other community outreach projects, working on policy issues relating to eviction and/or housing, and representing subsidized housing clients in administrative hearings and writs.   
• Fellows may be required to travel to NLSLA branch offices, courts, government agencies, shelters and community-based organizations throughout Los Angeles County. 

HOW YOU CAN STAND OUT: 

For this role, the ideal candidate has  

• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish, Armenian, Chinese, or other languages commonly spoken in NLSLA’s service area is strongly preferred.    
• Worked in a legal aid law firm.  

WHAT YOU’LL NEED ON DAY ONE: 

• Candidates must be awaiting results for the February 2025 California Bar Exam or planning to take the California Bar Exam in July 2025.   
• Demonstrated commitment to tenants’ rights 
• Strong oral/written communication skills coupled with an ability to employ patience and sensitivity when working with people in crisis.   
• Excel at working collaboratively and effectively in a fast-paced environment.   
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, business communication platforms, and web-based case management platforms. 
• 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. 

WHAT WE OFFER: 

The salary for this position is $71,000. 

Benefits include: 

• 35-hour workweek with a hybrid schedule. 
• 15 paid holidays per year 
• 2 to 5 weeks of vacation per year depending on seniority. 
• 12 days of sick leave per year. 
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and AD&D insurance; FSA; and EAP. 
• A 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contributions. 
• Monthly bilingual supplement. 
• Lawyer student loan reimbursement assistance program.