Staff Attorney I - Housing Services

About the role

Jump into meaningful legal work that keeps LA public housing communities thriving. As a Staff Attorney, you’ll handle a steady caseload of eviction matters, support housing teams with day-to-day legal guidance, and help make sure policies and practices stay on point with Fair Housing and tenant protection laws. You’ll work closely with HACLA staff, investigators, and local partners to manage cases, solve problems in real time, and support residents and operations alike. It’s a hands-on role where you’ll build your litigation skills, sharpen your judgment, and make a direct impact across the City of LA.

Responsibilities

• Works closely with HACLA’s Legal Department to provide legal services to the Housing Services Department and/or others, on matters associated with but not limited to, full unlawful detainer services, staff training, and legal advice as it pertains to Landlord-Tenant, Fair Housing, Reasonable Accommodation and Public Housing laws, both federal and State.
• Manages own caseload including commencing and completing unlawful detainers from receipt of case to resolution, including serving notices to vacate, filing and serving complaints, motions, responsive documents and appearance at trials and/or other hearings.
• Oversees outside counsel related to any unlawful detainer services they may be providing.
• Aids the Housing Services Department in initiating, developing, recommending, and implementing policies, procedures, and goals related to the unlawful detainer process, Fair Housing, Reasonable Accommodation, and Public Housing laws.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with HACLA staff, the Los Angeles Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies.
• Collaborates with other Legal Department staff members, including fraud investigators, and trains management staff to ensure prompt and proper unlawful detainer actions.
• Prepares and presents reports on Department activities as requested.
• Provides legal opinions on unlawful detainer, fair housing, and public housing issues as required.
• Reviews all federal, state, and local laws and legal requirements relating to the unlawful detainer process and resident leases and recommends changes to ensure compliance.
• Aids in other legal matters, including legal research, and other matters affecting the Housing Authority including civil litigation as directed.
• Supervises legal support staff, including paralegals and legal assistants, as needed.

Requirements

• Member in good standing of the California State bar.
• Licensed to practice law in California.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Ability to lead and multi-task.
• Manage a large volume of cases.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work with tenant advocacy groups and other third parties.

Qualifications

• Trial experience, preferably in the areas of landlord/tenant (unlawful detainer) litigation, is desired.

Skills

• Legal research and writing skills.
• Interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work with tenant advocacy groups and other third parties.
• Trial experience in landlord/tenant (unlawful detainer) litigation.

Benefits

• Short-Term Disability/Long-Term Disability/Mandatory Life.
• Pension Plan.
• General Leave/Holidays/PTO.
• Additional Optional Benefits.
• Medical/Dental/Vision Plan.
• Temporary Casual/Per-Diem employee benefits.