Legal Director

The Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center (LaFHAC) seeks an experienced Legal Director to support the efforts of its New Orleans-based team. The Legal Director will also lead the Enforcement team's efforts to defend tenants' rights and investigate and address violations of the Fair Housing Act across Louisiana.

About LaFHAC:

LaFHAC is a non-profit organization that seeks to eradicate housing discrimination, an illegal and divisive force that perpetuates poverty and segregation and limits opportunity. LaFHAC was established in 1995 and is the only full-service fair housing advocacy organization in Louisiana. LaFHAC addresses housing discrimination by 1) educating housing consumers and providers about their rights and responsibilities to proactively prevent violations of the Fair Housing Act; 2) investigating fair housing violations; 3) challenging discriminatory housing practices policies through litigation; 4) advocating for new policies that promote equitable housing; and 5) counseling homeowners facing foreclosure.

Education and Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a JD from an ABA-accredited law school and be a current member in good standing of the Louisiana Bar. We are unable to accept those who have not yet applied for the bar or are awaiting results at this time.

Responsibilities

The Legal Director will oversee all aspects of pre-litigation advocacy and litigation in eviction, housing discrimination and related civil rights cases, as well as collaborate with the leadership of LaFHAC on education efforts and policy advocacy. The Legal Director’s responsibilities will include:

• Lead LaFHAC's enforcement and right-to-counsel efforts by providing vision, direction, and support to a team of attorneys, legal workers, and support staff;
• Grow and manage LaFHAC's litigation portfolio while meeting FHIP deliverables and goals;
• Perform the provision of a full range of services to persons experiencing housing instability and discrimination: counseling, referrals to attorneys or enforcement agencies, representation in administrative and litigation proceedings;
• Supervise the attorneys and staff working on the enforcement team;
• Serve as liaison and point of contact to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development staff on enforcement issues related to the Fair Housing Initiatives (FHIP) program;
• Recruit and manage cooperating attorneys, legal interns, externs, and law clerks;
• Manage LaFHAC's testing program in collaboration with the Coordinator of Investigations;
• Partner with LaFHAC staff and external partners as necessary to support enforcement goals and LaFHAC's mission

Other Responsibilities May Include:

• Conduct client intake as needed;
• Work collaboratively with other programs and initiatives to promote fair housing;
• Represent LaFHAC as necessary in public spaces in a way that embraces and embodies LaFHAC's mission and goals; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Please Note: LaFHAC's staff continues to work hybrid due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Employees are required to work in the New Orleans office two days per week.

Qualifications:

Applicants for the Legal Director position should have significant experience as a practicing attorney. Additional requirements and necessary skills are:

• A demonstrated commitment to civil rights work is required.
• Admission to Louisiana State Bar and/or ability to practice in Louisiana federal courts;
• 5-7 years of experience in a senior level position in legal practice that handled a high volume of civil rights cases or similar civil litigation.
• 1-3 years of experience managing small teams in a legal nonprofit or law firm;
• Demonstrated knowledge of the fair housing complaint process is preferred;
• Ability to speak and write about fair housing in a way that resonates with community members and partners (organizational and individual);
• Personal connection with and to the harmful effects of segregation and housing discrimination is desired;
• Connection to and experience working within communities of color and with other persons likely to experience housing discrimination;
• Ability to handle a large volume of housing discrimination cases in a fast-paced setting while growing LaFHAC's profile in the legal community and the community at large;
• Exceptional organization, with project management skills and attention to detail;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Goal-oriented, flexible, eager to learn, takes initiative, and thrives in an entrepreneurial environment with a tight focus on results
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and ambitious deadlines simultaneously
• Commitment to LaFHAC's mission and goals

Compensation:

The salary range for this position is $80,000-90,000. Placement on the pay scale is based on the following factors:

• Years of relevant work experience
• Relevant undergraduate degree (or higher) or certification received
• Bilingual language skills
• Connections to the community

LaFHAC's benefits include:

• 100% employer-paid medical insurance with available dental and vision coverage
• Flex spending account
• 401(k) with employer-matched contributions
• Paid vacation & sick
• Paid parental leave

How to Apply:

The position is open until filled but we will give priority to applications submitted by November 6, 2025. Please email a resume and cover letter explaining your interest in the position to resumes@lafairhousing.org with the subject line "Legal Director." All correspondence should be addressed to Ameca Reali, Executive Director. Please note: due to the expected volume of submissions, we will not be able to return emails or phone calls about specific applications.

• LaFHAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. LaFHAC values diversity and inclusion in the workplace because it enhances the work we do, reflects the communities we serve, and embodies the values we further and defend. Candidates of all backgrounds are welcome.

The salary range for this position is $80,000-90,000. Placement on the pay scale is based on the following factors:

• Years of relevant work experience
• Relevant undergraduate degree (or higher) or certification received
• Bilingual language skills
• Connections to the community

LaFHAC's benefits include:

• 100% employer-paid medical insurance with available dental and vision coverage
• Flex spending account
• 401(k) with employer-matched contributions
• Paid vacation & sick time
• Paid parental leave