Attorney – Santa Monica Right to Counsel (Stay Housed LA)

About the role

The Attorney position at LAFLA's Santa Monica Workgroup is part of a new project called Stay Housed Los Angeles. This initiative aims to bring much-needed eviction defense resources to tenants in Los Angeles County communities and may be the first step towards a "Right to Counsel" for tenant eviction defense.

Responsibilities

• Litigate eviction cases, on behalf of Santa Monica tenants, in the Santa Monica courthouse
• Interview and counsel clients affected by housing problems in Santa Monica
• Participate in recurring clinics and other community outreach projects for both the Santa Monica residents, as well as Stay Housed LA
• Work on policy issues relating to eviction and/or housing
• Represent subsidized housing clients at administrative hearings and writs
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Active membership in the California State Bar
• Knowledge of landlord-tenant housing law and the eviction process preferred
• Litigation experience preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to serving the needs of low-income persons
• Demonstrated ability to function professionally and effectively within a highly stressful environment
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to work effectively with government agencies, staff, volunteers, students, attorneys, and community members
• Willingness to work beyond a minimum 7.0 hour workday, including evening and weekend meetings and events, and workweeks in excess of 35 hours when caseload or other obligations so necessitate

Benefits and Compensation

• Competitive compensation based on comparable public interest salaries
• A generous benefits package for full-time employees including medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents, life insurance, long-term disability and long-term care insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan
• Bilingual supplements, law student loan reimbursements, and a cell phone stipend

Commitment to Employee Wellness

• Healthy work-life balance for all staff
• Wellness related benefits and employee assistance programs through medical plans
• Wellness Friday video sessions, a wellness content library, 15 LAFLA observed holidays, and generous time off benefits

Sustainable Hybrid Work Schedule

• Several Fridays off during the year
• Hybrid work schedule with the ability to work remotely up to half the week, if preferred, after the probationary period