Staff Attorney
National Legal Aid & Defender Association · Little Rock, AR · Yesterday
$60k/yrFull-time
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Direct Representation & Legal Advocacy
- Represent tenants in eviction defense matters, including researching and drafting pleadings and motions, engaging in discovery, negotiating resolutions, appearing for hearings and case conferences, and assessing appeal potential.
- Maintain a caseload while supporting broader community stabilization efforts.
- Collect, review, and evaluate evidence related to client matters and housing conditions.
- Maintain accurate and timely client records and case documentation.
- Community Resource Coordination
- Educate community members on issues including eviction prevention, habitability concerns, repair issues, and safe housing conditions.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, neighborhood groups, and service providers.
- Maintain visibility within the legal and broader community to strengthen partnerships and increase access to services.
- Collaboration & Program Support
- Work collaboratively with Legal Advocates, program staff, and community partners to coordinate services and support households experiencing housing instability.
- Participate in regular team meetings, case conferencing, and cross-functional collaboration efforts.
- Support AVLF’s broader community engagement and prevention initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge And Skill Requirements
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice and legal services to low-income individuals and/or communities, whether through pro bono work or otherwise.
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, including experience and comfort with public speaking.
- Strong preference for proficiency or fluency in Spanish.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills; equally strong analytical skills.
- Litigation Experience Is Preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds, including communicating with our diverse constituencies – from law firm partners to potential clients.
- Willingness to accept constructive feedback and ask questions when necessary.
Benefits
- Health Insurance: AVLF covers 100% of employee-only Medical and Dental.
- Voluntary Benefits: 100% employer-paid coverage for group life, long-term disability, and short-term disability.
- Retirement: AVLF contributes 5% of your salary to a retirement plan—no employee match required.
- Paid Time Off: Includes 21 PTO days (prorated), 2 floating personal days, and twice-yearly wellness leave.
- Student Loan Assistance: Up to $500/month ($6,000/year) with a lifetime maximum of $60,000.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Supportive services available for employees.
Working Conditions
- Work is generally performed remotely and in office environments, with travel to meetings, community sites, and client-related activities as needed.
- Work may involve a fast-paced environment requiring multitasking, prolonged sitting and/or standing, and occasional evening or weekend availability to support meetings, outreach activities, trainings, or client needs.