Housing Attorney

Rising for Justice (“RFJ”) invites applications for a full-time housing attorney to begin immediately. The attorney will be responsible for legal representation of low-income residents of Washington, D.C., in landlord-tenant disputes and housing-related cases.

 About Rising for Justice

Created in 1969, RFJ, formerly known as D.C. Law Students in Court (“LSIC”), is the oldest clinical teaching program in the District of Columbia. RFJ currently operates as a public interest legal services provider and clinical education program. Our Tenant Justice Program provides same-day and extended representation to low- income tenants in the D.C. Superior Court.

Position Responsibilities

Responsibilities include: 1) providing direct client representation to tenants in eviction actions in the Landlord Tenant Branch of the D.C. Superior Court; 2) conducting client intake interviews and providing advice and brief legal services at D.C. Superior Court a minimum of two days per week; 3) coordinating with court-based and other legal services providers to streamline referrals and promote cooperation on systemic issues; 4) engaging in outreach and community education initiatives and building relationships with tenant and other community groups; 5) participating in case acceptance conferences, attending staff meetings, assisting with organizational fundraising activities as needed, and ensuring the accurate and complete input of data in the office’s case management system. Depending on experience, responsibilities may include supervision of attorneys, legal assistants, or students.

 Qualification Requirements

The Housing Attorney must be a member of the D.C. Bar. He or she must have prior litigation experience, excellent communication skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, the ability to work in a fast-paced litigation environment and a desire to serve the community. Preferred qualifications include Spanish language skills, housing or consumer litigation experience, and prior poverty law experience. LSIC/RFJ alumni are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will have practiced as a legal services attorney for at least two to three years and will have a background in housing law.

Accountability: Reports to the Director of RFJ’s Tenant Justice Program.