Staff Attorney - Stay Housed LA Program

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County

$85K — $93K *
Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
  • Active California State Bar license, or ability to register as a Legal Aid Attorney within 30 days.
  • Strong writing, speaking, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment.
  • Integrity and commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and case management platforms.
  • Passion for advocating for the legal rights of low-income individuals.

Responsibilities

  • Defend tenants in unlawful detainer proceedings and administrative hearings.
  • Manage a varied caseload with personalized legal assistance.
  • Lead 'Know Your Rights' clinics for tenant education.
  • Prepare educational materials and engage in community events.
  • Collaborate with pro bono partners and guide student and volunteer staff.
  • Work hybrid, with on-site requirements set by management.
  • Travel to program offices and courthouses across Los Angeles County.

Benefits

  • Generous time off including 18 paid holidays, 2-5 weeks of vacation, and 12 days of sick leave.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions.
  • Loan Repayment Assistance Program for eligible employees.
  • Technology reimbursement to support remote work and connectivity.
Full Job Description
Job Type

Full-time

Description

About the Role
We're seeking a licensed attorney to join our eviction defense team as part of the Stay Housed LA program. In this impactful role, you'll represent tenants facing eviction and contribute directly to our county-wide right to counsel program, defending vulnerable tenants in critical court proceedings.

You'll be an advocate for clients who need you most and work across multiple courthouses in Los Angeles, including Stanley Mosk, Chatsworth, Van Nuys, Pasadena, West Covina, and Antelope Valley. From pleadings to trial, you'll handle all stages of litigation and collaborate with a talented, passionate team.

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

What You'll Do
• Defend tenants in unlawful detainer proceedings and administrative hearings, advocating for their right to housing stability.
• Manage a varied caseload, ensuring that each client receives personalized, high-quality legal assistance.
• Lead "Know Your Rights" clinics for tenants, empowering individuals with the knowledge they need to protect themselves.
• Prepare educational materials and engage in community events to promote housing justice.
• Collaborate with pro bono partners and provide guidance to student and volunteer staff.
• This position is designated as hybrid. Employees are required to work on-site a minimum of two (2) days per week, with the remaining time eligible for remote work as business needs allow. Specific in-office days may be set by the department or manager to support team collaboration and organizational priorities. Any out-of-state work is prohibited unless prior approval is obtained from HR.
• Travel to NLSLA program offices, courthouses, and other locations throughout Los Angeles County may be required.

Requirements

What You'll Need
• A Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• An active California State Bar license (or the ability to register as a Legal Aid Attorney within 30 days of hire).
• Excellent writing, speaking, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment.
• A sense of integrity and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.
• 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.

Bonus Points
• Have previous experience working in a legal aid or public interest law firm.
• Are bilingual in Spanish, due to the high number of Spanish-speaking residents in the community, or in any of the other Los Angeles threshold languages, which is highly valued in our community outreach efforts.

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: $85,000-$93,000, based on experience.
  • Generous Time Off: 18 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 with employer contributions and options for voluntary contributions.
    • Monthly bilingual supplement for qualified employees. Note: Qualified employees with bilingual proficiency are expected to provide in-language assistance when feasible to support language access and in furtherance of NLSLA's mission. This expectation applies whether or not the employee receives the bilingual supplement.
    • Loan Repayment Assistance Program, which provides law school student loan repayment assistance for eligible individuals.
  • 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.

NLSLA is a unionized workplace. Membership in the union is a condition of employment for this position.

Salary Description

$85,000-$93,000, based on experience

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