Staff Attorney Housing Justice Project

MISSION

The King County Bar Association promotes and supports a diverse and collegial membership; works with the judiciary to achieve excellence, equity, and accessibility in the administration of justice; and benefits the community through public service and engagement in public policy.

The Housing Justice Project (HJP) is a homelessness prevention program providing accessible legal services to low-income, residential tenants facing eviction primarily in King and Spokane County. Legal assistance is provided through counsel and advice, negotiated settlements, limited representation at Show Cause hearings, and/or referrals depending on tenants’ needs and financial eligibility. 

POSITION MISSION

HJP is seeking an attorney to provide representation to tenants facing eviction primarily in King County with some potential remote representation in other parts of the state as needed. In 2021, Washington became the first state to guarantee counsel to low-income tenants facing eviction. The attorney will represent tenants at eviction hearings and trials, assist accessing rental assistance, and work on revisions and appeals. The attorney will handle special assignments such as lock outs and other issues as needed. The attorney will have opportunities to contribute to policy initiatives as they arise. The position is mostly remote with some in-person meetings.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

 Advocacy:  

• Represent tenants in eviction hearings and trials; 

• Direct client representation with appeals, revisions, and post-judgment relief as necessary;  

• Handle emergency applications for stays and other motions; 

• Perform trainings and community outreach; 

• Assist with connecting tenants to legal representation at the daily court docket; 

• Keep up with legislative and regulatory changes.

Administrative and Supervisory:  

• Review and oversee data input in Legal Server data management system;

• Prepare reports, data, articles, and communications both for internal and community distribution;

• Assist and participate in the development of staff attorney and training materials and trainings on housing advocacy; 

• Arrange and participate in weekly case review.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to track and consistently meet deadlines; 

• Demonstrated ability to train, supervise, and mentor volunteer attorneys and maintain quality program control;

• Demonstrated commitment to understanding and addressing issues facing low-income and vulnerable people;

• Strong communication skills and ability to motivate and lead;

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people;

• Demonstrated understanding of the impact of race, bias, discrimination, and differential treatment of communities disproportionately composed of Black, Indigenous, and people of color, individuals who identify as LGBTQ or other sexual minorities, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, limited English speaking persons, and others who have been historically marginalized in rental housing markets and in the law and justice system

• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines;

• Ability to analyze information quickly and work well in a fast-paced environment;

• Creative problem solving; 

• Proficiency with technology including MS Word, case management systems, and Outlook;

• Demonstrated ability to project patience and compassion under pressure.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Licensed to practice law and in good standing in Washington state by September of 2024;

• Experience with civil procedure, appellate practice, courtroom protocol, and rules of evidence; 

• Experience in housing law and landlord-tenant law;

• Familiarity with affordable housing programs.

ABOUT KCBA

Founded in 1886, KCBA is a membership legal organization with over 4,000 attorney members, over 70 staff and an annual budget of $10,000,000. As a unionized workplace and an equal opportunity employer, KCBA is committed to upholding an equity and justice-based organizational environment for the public, the client communities it serves, its members, its Boards, its staff and its volunteers. This means the organization actively promotes mutual respect, acceptance, teamwork, and productivity among people who are diverse in work background; lived and professional experience; immigration status and citizenship; education; race and ethnicity; national origin; sexual orientation; age; indigenous group membership; religious preference; marital status; sensory, mental, and physical abilities; social class; gender identity; veteran status, as well as other differences relevant to equity and justice.  The resulting diversity is both a source of organizational strength and a matter of fundamental human fairness.  

Please note, one of KCBA’s programs supports attorneys working with parents and guardians of at risk children.  As a result, certain convictions would make an applicant ineligible. The King County Bar Association requires all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  To meet this requirement, all employees must provide proof of vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  If you need a reasonable accommodation for the application process, have questions regarding eligibility, or have vaccination questions, contact Len Roden at lenr@kcba.org.

POSITION DETAILS

This is an exempt full-time position requiring occasional local travel within the Puget Sound area.  Salary is based on a pay scale ranging from $70,000-$112,000 annually based on years of practice. Benefits include employer-paid healthcare, 401k plan with automatic employer contribution, subsidized transit pass, flexible spending account, professional development opportunities, paid vacation and sick leave and more. 

TO APPLY

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, but priority will be given to those who apply by 5:00 p.m. May 20, 2024 via email. Make “HJP Staff Attorney” your subject line and send a letter of interest that addresses any lived or professional experience that would contribute to our advocacy, resume, and three references to: HR@kcba.org. 

Benefits include employer-paid healthcare, 401k plan with automatic employer contribution, subsidized transit pass, flexible spending account, professional development opportunities, paid vacation and sick leave and more.