Staff Attorney - Consumer Rights & Economic Justice

Public Counsel is a nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to advancing civil rights and racial and economic justice, as well as amplifying the power of clients through comprehensive legal advocacy. Founded on a pro bono legal service model, the organization seeks justice through direct legal services, education, outreach, and community-led efforts to transform unjust systems in and beyond Los Angeles. Public Counsel organizes its work through seven legal teams, including Child, Youth & Family Advocacy, Community Development, Consumer Rights & Economic Justice (CREJ), Homelessness Prevention, Immigrants’ Rights, Education Equity, and Opportunity Under Law.

About the role

The Staff Attorney, reporting to the Supervising Attorney, will work within the Consumer Rights & Economic Justice (CREJ) team. CREJ advances racial and economic justice by representing low-income individuals and families to improve financial futures, safeguard intergenerational wealth, address systemic inequalities, and oppose exploitative institutions. The team provides direct services, engages in impact litigation, and advocates for consumer protections at local, state, and national levels. This role includes work with the Cancer Justice program, which focuses on the legal and financial impacts of cancer, particularly economic stability and health equity.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct legal services to low-income clients, including seniors.
• Develop expertise in foreclosure defense, loss mitigation, and income stabilization for low-income homeowners, including debt collection and student loan matters.
• Conduct community presentations on foreclosure processes, homeowners’ rights, scam avoidance, consumer debt defense, and bankruptcy.
• Collaborate with community-based organizations to conduct outreach on legal services and financial relief for homeowners at risk of foreclosure in Los Angeles, Kern, and Ventura Counties.
• Staff monthly homeowner preservation clinics.
• Handle individual cases and support class action litigation as appropriate.
• Represent CREJ and Public Counsel in external meetings, events, and media engagements.
• Assist with research, writing projects, and grant reporting as needed.
• Supervise summer law clerks and other volunteers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 1-4 years of legal experience.
• Juris Doctor degree and active membership in good standing with the California State Bar.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong legal research skills and ability to assimilate complex case facts with attention to detail.
• Ability to stay organized and manage a full caseload.
• Demonstrated negotiation skills and willingness to litigate.
• High emotional intelligence, cultural competency, and a growth mindset.
• Commitment to teamwork, economic and racial justice, and advancing equity and inclusion at Public Counsel.
• Fluency in Spanish is desirable.
• Experience in consumer law, particularly foreclosure defense, debt collection, and/or student loan matters, is highly desirable.

Exempt employees are expected to work a minimum of 37.5 hours per week and additional time as necessary to accomplish job duties professionally and timely. Flexibility in work hours is required to provide superior service to clients.

Pay

Salary range for an attorney with 1-4 years of experience is $78,000–$82,100, depending on years of experience.

Schedule

This is a full-time, exempt position with a 9-month probationary period. The role is funded until April 30, 2029, with continued employment contingent on additional funding.

Benefits

• Medical coverage with an option for 100% employer-paid premiums for the employee and dependent child(ren); buy-up options available for other HMO and PPO plans.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) enrollment option.
• Employer-paid life insurance and disability plans.
• Generous Paid Time Off:
  • 15 accrued vacation days (increasing to 20 days after 3 years).
  • 12 accrued sick days for physical and mental health needs.
  • 2 personal observance days.
  • 11 paid holidays plus 2 one-week office closures (summer and winter).
• Up to 60 hours of compensatory time per calendar year (for exempt staff).
• 403(b) retirement plan with elective employee contributions and discretionary employer contributions after one year.
• Free on-site parking or public transportation reimbursement.
• $45 per pay period for employees using non-English language skills in work duties.
• Up to 6 months of parental leave.
• Organizational and team wellness activities.
• Professional development support and opportunities.
• Annual payment of required licenses or certifications (e.g., state bar dues) and membership dues for a mutually agreed-upon professional organization.

Public Counsel is headquartered in Koreatown, Los Angeles, with easy access to public transportation, dining, and cultural attractions.