Senior Attorney – Housing and Communities Workgroup

About the role

LAFLA is a nonprofit law firm dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights of the most underserved in the Greater Los Angeles area, leveling the playing field and ensuring access to the justice system. With over 95 years of service, LAFLA is the first and most experienced legal aid organization in the region, serving more than 100,000 people annually through neighborhood offices, courthouse self-help centers, and domestic violence clinics. The organization combines direct legal services with impact litigation to enact systemic change, collaborating with public and private partners to expand access to justice and address inequities.

The Housing and Communities Workgroup focuses on preventing unfair displacement, protecting and expanding affordable housing, advocating for equitable tenant policies, and supporting community-based organizations in building healthy, economically vibrant communities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead counsel on cases involving complex advocacy and direct services.
• Actively participate in community groups and coalitions addressing systemic racism and other issues impacting underserved populations.
• Develop case strategies and work plans for assigned matters.
• Provide advice and technical assistance to community-based organizations engaged in policy advocacy.
• Draft pleadings, legal documents, trial memoranda, appellate briefs, and community education materials.
• Investigate, develop, and litigate high-impact cases at the trial and appellate levels in federal and state courts.
• Work on public policy issues affecting low-income individuals and communities, including systemic racism.

Qualifications

• Active membership in the California State Bar.
• At least ten years of State or Local Policy Advocacy and/or litigation experience in Superior and Federal Court.
• Community lawyering experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of housing law.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with diverse client populations and a commitment to promoting anti-racism.
• Willingness to work beyond a minimum 7.5-hour workday, including evenings and weekends, and workweeks in excess of 37 hours when necessary.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on comparable public interest salaries.
• 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 (where applicable).
• Wellness-related benefits, including employee assistance programs, Wellness Friday video sessions, and a wellness content library.
• 15 LAFLA-observed holidays and generous time off benefits.
• Hybrid work schedule with the ability to work remotely up to half the week after the probationary period.
• Several Fridays off during the year as part of a sustainable work schedule.

Local candidates only; the successful candidate must be willing to work from the assigned LAFLA location.