Attorney (CBEST) – Economic Stability Workgroup

About the role

LAFLA is a nonprofit law firm dedicated to increasing access to justice and addressing systemic inequities among the most vulnerable members of the Greater Los Angeles area. Celebrating 95 years of service, LAFLA is the first and most experienced legal aid organization in the region, with over 200 employees—including more than 100 attorneys—providing free services on civil legal issues affecting health, safety, and self-sufficiency. Each year, LAFLA assists over 100,000 people through neighborhood offices, courthouse self-help centers, and domestic violence clinics, while also engaging in impact litigation to drive systemic change.

The Economic Stability Workgroup (ESWG) helps clients secure benefits for basic needs (food, shelter, medical care), combats wage theft and unemployment insurance denials, and addresses wrongful terminations and discriminatory employment practices. ESWG also assists individuals burdened by student loans due to disability or predatory for-profit colleges. Beyond direct service, the team advocates for policy changes and pursues impact litigation to tackle systemic issues.

This position involves a mix of general government benefits advocacy and representing clients in permanent disability appeals before the Social Security Administration (SSI/SSDI) or the State Hearings Division (CAPI). Note: This role is part of a special program funded for 12 months, with no guarantee of extension.

Responsibilities

• Conduct extensive interviews with potential or retained clients.
• Review medical records and notices from the Social Security Administration and Department of Public Social Services (DPSS).
• Assess merit for representation based on thorough review of medical records and other documents.
• Assist disabled and low-income clients with obtaining or maintaining Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, or CAPI benefits through negotiations, administrative appeals, or federal litigation.

Requirements

• Active membership in the California State Bar with 1–5 years of experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income communities.
• Litigation experience preferred, including case evaluation, legal research/writing, discovery, negotiations, and administrative hearings or trials.
• Familiarity with government benefits programs such as General Relief, SSI, SSDI, CAPI, and other cash aid programs.
• Previous public interest experience preferred.
• Willingness to work beyond a standard 7.5-hour day, including evenings, weekends, and workweeks exceeding 35 hours when necessary.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on comparable public interest salaries.
• Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
• Life insurance, long-term disability, and long-term care insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Bilingual supplements, law student loan reimbursements, and a cell phone stipend (eligibility-based).
• Hybrid work schedule with remote work options (up to half the week) after probation.
• 15 LAFLA-observed holidays and generous time-off benefits.
• Wellness-related benefits, including employee assistance programs, Wellness Friday sessions, and a wellness content library.
• Sustainable schedule with several Fridays off per year.

Candidates must be local and willing to work from the assigned LAFLA office.