Public Benefits Staff Attorney

Change Lives and Transform Communities – Join Our Public Benefits Team!

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) provides free assistance to over 160,000 individuals and families each year through innovative projects that expand access to justice. We see the law as a powerful tool for social change and we’re looking for passionate individuals to help us fight for justice.

We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we believe that a strong community is built through inclusivity. NLSLA is proud to foster an environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and abilities, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

About the Role

NLSLA is seeking an attorney to join the public benefits team who will focus on supporting the Benefits Access for Immigrants Los Angeles (BAILA) Network project. BAILA is a collaboration between legal services providers, community health workers, community clinics, and other organizations to help eligible immigrants access public benefits like Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, and CAPI and SSA benefits. This collaboration aims to seamlessly link individuals and families to benefit enrollment assistance, legal services, and other resources to maximize benefit enrollment and retention, helping to lift people out of poverty and reduce food insecurity. (Learn more at www.bailanetwork.org.)

The attorney would work closely with members of NLSLA’s BAILA team and Public Benefits Team to provide direct legal services to clients related to benefits access and retention issues; engage in systemic advocacy related to benefits access for the immigrant community; conduct community outreach and education efforts; and coordinate with BAILA Network partners and other social services providers.

In this role, you would report to the Supervising Attorney for the Public Benefits Team. This position is exempt and temporary.

What You’ll Do

• Provide direct legal services on public benefits cases, including Los Angeles Department of Social Services and Social Security benefits.
• Do legal research and draft memos, letters, administrative and court documents, and client-facing legal education materials.
• Advocate for clients in front of entities like the Social Security Administration, the California Department of Social Services, and the L.A. County Department of Public Social Services
• Represent clients in administrative hearings
• Engage in systemic policy advocacy related to immigrant access to public benefits (this may include writing comment letters on proposed legislation, meeting with state and local officials to discuss barriers to access, and collaborating with other advocates)
• Lead community legal education efforts on issues like public charge, benefits eligibility, and data privacy
• Provide training and technical assistance to other organizations and legal services providers and promote access to public benefits in a range of forums.
• Coordinate with BAILA Network partners
• Travel to NLSLA program offices, courthouses, and other locations throughout Los Angeles County may be required.

What You’ll Need

• A JD from an accredited law school and active California State Bar license.
• Ability to work closely with clients from different backgrounds with both effectiveness and compassion.
• Passion for NLSLA mission and demonstrated commitment to advocating for the legal rights of low-income individuals.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Passion, empathy, and compassion for supporting people from different lived experiences.

Bonus Points if You

• Have prior experience working with programs serving low-income people in the substantive areas of poverty law, including public benefits.
• Have experience working in a legal aid setting.
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish is preferred, due to the high number of Spanish-speaking residents in the community.

What NLSLA Offers

At NLSLA, we believe in supporting our staff as they grow in their careers and live balanced lives. We offer:

• Competitive Salary: $78,000–$86,000, based on experience.
• Work-Life Balance: A 35-hour workweek and a hybrid work schedule to help you balance professional and personal commitments.
• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, 2 to 5 weeks of vacation depending on seniority, and 12 days of sick leave. Exempt employees are eligible for compensatory time in accordance with company policy.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with a variety of plan options.
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan and options for voluntary contributions.
• Monthly bilingual supplement for qualified employees.
• A Culture of Inclusion: We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive.
• Perks: Technology reimbursement to help you stay connected and equipped to do your best work.