Staff Attorney – Stay Housed LA Program

Description Change Lives and Transform Communities – Join Our Eviction Defense Team! Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) provides free assistance to over 175,000 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 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. 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. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Please note that, in limited circumstances, certain convictions may be considered incompatible with the responsibilities of specific roles, particularly where the safety and well-being of vulnerable client populations are a concern. 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.