Housing Justice Project Staff Attorney

Position Title: Housing Justice Project Staff Attorney

Position Location: Tacoma, WA

Reports To: Housing Justice Project Managing Attorneys

Full-time /Part-time: Full-time, Salaried

FLSA Status (Exempt / Non-exempt): Exempt

Benefits Eligible (Yes/No): Yes

Start Date: Flexible

Staff Attorney Job Summary

Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization located in downtown Tacoma, providing free civil legal aid to low-income individuals who face legal issues. The Housing Justice Project (HJP) is a specific program of Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers, which focuses on eviction prevention and providing legal advice and counsel to indigent tenants facing landlord-tenant issues. In 2021, Washington implemented a right to counsel for indigent tenants in unlawful detainer proceedings. Tacomaprobono’s HJP facilitates the Appointed Counsel Program for Pierce County. Our office also represents indigent tenants located in several other Washington counties. Tacomaprobono’s Housing Justice Project is currently accepting applications for a Staff Attorney on an ongoing basis to fill current and potential position openings.

The HJP Staff Attorney provides legal representation for eligible low-income tenants in unlawful detainer cases from summons through resolution of possession. Duties include meeting clients, evaluating defenses, negotiating with opposing parties, preparing court briefs, and attending eviction hearings. This hybrid position requires both office and remote work, with arrangements subject to change based on business needs.

Qualifications and Functions of a Staff Attorney

• Licensed to practice law in Washington (APR9 eligible law-school graduates qualify).
• Knowledge of Washington housing law, or a commitment to learn this specialized field.
• Ability to self-manage a full caseload of clients in every stage of eviction litigation (full caseload amounts varies depending on eligible clients);
• Develop and maintain relationships with opposing counsel, the court, and the community.
• Make referrals to other Tacomaprobono clinics and programs and other organizations to ensure low-income tenants have holistic access to legal representation and client services for all civil legal needs.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with low-income clients, individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds, survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, individuals from historically marginalized and oppressed communities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other attorneys or third parties as required by case.
• Participate in specific and general CLE trainings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Zoom, Dropbox, and LegalServer or other case management software offered by Tacomaprobono.
• Ability to timely meet other ancillary work-related requirements, such as timekeeping entry, client notes, client outcomes, and case closing.

Work Hours

• Full-time: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (35 hours/week).
• Hybrid schedule available upon approval.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions. Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time; interact with computer screens and manipulate essential computer components (i.e., mouse and keyboard). Mobility around the office, and abilities to bend/stoop, push/pull, and perform unassisted lifting consistent with the job duties are required.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position is $78,000 annually. Tacomaprobono is committed to a work environment that supports a healthy work-life balance. We offer a comprehensive compensation package that includes the following benefits:

• 11 paid holidays annually
• 5-20 paid vacation days annually (dependent on tenure)
• Two-week paid holiday closure around Christmas and New Year’s
• Sick leave accrual at a rate of 1 hour for every 35 hours worked and a generous sick leave carryover
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid parental and family leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• FSA or HSA
• Dependent Care Account

In addition, we pay 100% of employee premiums for health, vision, dental, and EAP benefits, offer discounted pet insurance, and contribute toward dependent and spouse coverage.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit a letter of interest and resume to hiring@tacomaprobono.org.

Disclaimer: The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. Also, duties and/or requirements of this position may be modified, added or deleted at any time. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, Veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.

Our Mission

The mission of Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers is to combat systemic racism and other forms of discrimination by expanding access to civil legal justice. We provide free holistic legal services, including representation, advice, and education to those persons who by reason of poverty are unable to effectively access the legal system.

To further this mission, Tacomaprobono develops and manages a wide variety of service delivery programs, including ongoing cooperative work with other legal aid and social service providers. Working collaboratively with these organizations, Tacomaprobono identifies and addresses legal need and barriers to access; makes volunteer, educational and support opportunities available to volunteer attorneys, paralegals and students in Pierce County; and works to remove barriers which deny justice to underserved and marginalized individuals and communities by providing efficient, effective legal services addressing both individual client legal issues and systemic issues affecting our diverse client population.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position is $78,000 annually. Tacomaprobono is committed to a work environment that supports a healthy work-life balance. We offer a comprehensive compensation package that includes the following benefits:

• • 11 paid holidays annually
  • 5-20 paid vacation days annually (dependent on tenure)
  • Two-week paid holiday closure around Christmas and New Year’s
  • Sick leave accrual at a rate of 1 hour for every 35 hours worked and a generous sick leave carryover
  • Paid bereavement leave
  • Paid parental and family leave
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan
  • FSA or HSA
  • Dependent Care Account
  • Summer Flex Time

In addition, we pay 100% of employee premiums for health, vision, dental, and EAP benefits, offer discounted pet insurance, and contribute toward dependent and spouse coverage.