Home Preservation Staff Attorney

We are looking for a Home Preservation Staff Attorney to join our team in Orange County!

WHO WE ARE

We are the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Our mission is to advocate for civil rights, provide legal services and education, and build coalitions to positively influence and impact Asian Pacific Americans and to create a more equitable and harmonious society. We serve more than 15,000 individuals and organizations every year, focusing on the most vulnerable members of AAPI communities while also building a strong voice for civil rights and social justice. With our Advancing Justice affiliates in Atlanta, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., we enrich, enhance, and serve our communities all across the country.

WHAT WE BRING

• The special opportunity to join a mission driven team
• Flexible, hybrid work schedules
• Rich medical, dental and vision benefits
• Retirement options through 403B and match

WHO YOU ARE

You share our mission of advocacy for Asian Pacific Americans. You enjoy the thrill of serving the public interest while championing civil rights and social justice. You take pride in your work enriching lives and communities in Los Angeles and across the country. You are looking for your next role in an organization that supports your career as much as you support the organization and its goals. You are looking for a job where you make a difference, and your impact is directly proportional to your contribution. You are a game changer. You are a leader. You are an advocate.

WHAT YOU BRING

• J.D. and active membership in California State Bar 
• Minimum one year of related housing law experience including tenant rights and landlord responsibilities; 3 years preferred 
• Bilingual fluency in an AAPI language strongly preferred
• Knowledge of laws, civil procedure, government regulations, and court procedures related to housing issues. 
• Ability to identify, investigate and resolve client issues 
• Strong writing and oral communication skills; ability to analyze, write and present ideas and legal concepts clearly and concisely 
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task and perform well under pressure in fast-paced situations and with a substantial case load. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to engage with individuals possibly in crisis compassionately and effectively 

ABOUT THE ROLE

Under the direction of the Program Director of Home Preservation, the Staff Attorney is responsible for counseling and representing in home preservation issues which include eviction defense or other tenant defense matters in Los Angeles and Orange County area. The Staff Attorney will interview and counsels' clients of legal rights and issues, litigate eviction cases, conducts legal research and writing, provide community education and participate in clinics.   

Your day-to-day typically includes:

70% Client Support 

• Handle a high volume of a variety of home preservation issues including housing, housing discrimination, landlord-tenant disputes, eviction defense including representation in depositions, settlement negotiations, court hearings and trials in Orange and Los Angeles Counties, and other related housing law matters 
• Counsel and advise clients of legal rights and options, draft legal pleadings and conduct legal research and writing 
• Conduct community legal clinics/workshops; train volunteers and pro-bono attorneys to serve clients and communities 
• Advocate for clients' interests through legal actions and may engage in policy advocacy to address broader housing issues. 

20% Community Education 

• Coordinate client services with legal interns, legal assistant/advocate, and partner service organization 
• Coordinate and conduct community education and outreach; develop and revise community education materials including training manual and brochures 

10% Other Duties as Assigned 

• Participate in the development and implementation of annual practice work plan 
• Attend trainings on substantive legal areas 

At AJSOCAL, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.  AJSOCAL strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or other covered persons, including interns.