Staff Attorney Housing Law (Hybrid)

The Housing Staff Attorney will work as a member of the housing team to serve and represent low-income and senior tenants who are facing eviction in Los Angeles County. This full-time exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney and is based in the Compton or Norwalk office.   

Responsibilities   

• Maintain a caseload representing tenants in unlawful detainer matters, including handling negotiations, settlements and trials.  
• Advise tenants on landlord/tenant issues.  
• Actively participate in community groups and coalitions on issues impacting service-eligible populations.  
• Engage in community outreach, including conducting know your rights presentations. 
• Represent clients, counsel, and advise clients in legal matters.  
• Maintain detailed and accurate case notes and timekeeping in case management system (LegalServer). 
• Interview clients, effectively and efficiently communicate with clients.  
• Engage in case investigation, witness interviews, factual and legal research. 
• Research and write pleadings, memoranda, correspondence and other legal documents. 
• Engage in negotiation and settlement discussions with adverse parties and their legal representatives. 
• Engage in policy advocacy, coordinate, and collaborate in policy campaigns with partner community-based organizations to improve systemic issues. 
• Direct and supervise the legal work of paralegal and law students, interns, and volunteers. 
• Identify wrap-around legal services and work collaboratively with CLA SoCal’s various legal units. 
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective. 
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization. 

• 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.  
• Familiarity with landlord tenant law - Preferred. 
• Litigation experience including propounding and responding to discovery, taking and defending depositions, and representing clients in trial - Preferred. 
• Bilingual proficiency - Preferred  
• Articulate, creative, and passionate advocate with excellent written and oral communication skills, computer skills, and problem-solving skills. 
• Strong personal work ethic, initiative, and ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet critical deadlines with minimal supervision. 
• Ability to spot legal issues and comfort with providing real-time counsel & advice. 
• Strong interpersonal skill, client communication skills, and comfort working with indigent clients 
• Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and document preparation software. 
• Great organizational skills with keen attention to detail. 
• Desire to learn as well as share knowledge with other team members. 
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks. 
• Proven interest in social justice issues. 
• Ability to model CLA SoCal’s values (compassion, collaboration, trust, accountability and equity) in the performance of job duties – Required 
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy or other ability or form of transportation to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners.  
• Prior legal services advocacy experience - Preferred 

Holistic Benefits

CLA SoCal provides employees with training, professional development and growth opportunities, competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative team spirit. Our staff members work a 35-hour week with a flexible and hybrid work schedule. Some positions may work beyond a 35-hour week, including evening and weekend meetings and events, when caseload or other obligations necessitate. We offer an outstanding benefits package with rich medical/dental/vision/life insurance, long-term disability, and additional supplemental insurance. Our employees enjoy 16 paid holidays a year, vacation, personal time, and sick leave on their first day. Furthermore, we offer a competitive Law School Loan Reimbursement program, 401k with employer contribution, and a monetary bonus for eligible employees who can prove bilingual proficiency.  

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.