Staff Attorney- Public Benefits

Change Lives and Transform Communities – Join Our Economic Security 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 seeks a passionate public benefits Staff Attorney to join its Economic Security team. The ideal candidate will be a skilled advocate with a strong commitment to public interest law, capable of working independently in a fast-paced, anti-poverty practice. Prior experience serving low-income communities and strong research, writing, and analytical skills are preferred.

The Economic Security team helps individuals with public benefits and workers’ rights issues. The public benefits issues include securing essential benefits such as CalFresh, CalWORKs, General Relief, CAPI, RCA, SSI, and SSDI, which provide food, housing, and medical support. Our work has a growing focus on immigrant access to benefits, including through the BAILA Network (www.bailanetwork.org).

NLSLA is also a key advocate in Los Angeles fire disaster response, providing public benefits guidance and assistance with FEMA appeals.

In this role, you would report to the Supervising Attorney. This position is exempt.

What You’ll Do

• Represent individuals in public benefits cases, including drafting letters and briefs, gathering evidence, interviewing clients, and presenting oral arguments on clients’ behalf at administrative hearings.
• Do legal research and draft memos, letters, administrative and court documents, and client-facing legal education materials.
• Representation in administrative advocacy and impact litigation cases.
• Policy advocacy at the state/local levels.
• Provide training and technical assistance to other organizations and legal services providers and promote access to public benefits in a range of forums.
• Provide community outreach and education on topics related to public benefits such as benefits eligibility, claimants’ due process rights, public charge rules, and more.
• Travel to NLSLA program offices, courthouses, and other locations throughout Los Angeles County may be required.

What You’ll Need

• A Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• An active California State Bar license.
• Excellent writing, speaking, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Prior experience working with programs serving low-income people in the substantive areas of public benefits is preferred.
• Ability to work closely with clients from different backgrounds with both effectiveness and compassion.
• Empathy and compassion for supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
• A sense of integrity and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.

Bonus Points if You

• Are bilingual in Spanish or one of the other threshold languages (Mandarin, Armenian, Korean), which is highly valued in our community outreach efforts.
• Have previous experience working in a legal aid or public interest law firm.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

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. Compensatory time for exempt employees.
• 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 with employer contributions and options for voluntary contributions.
• Monthly bilingual supplement for qualified employees.
• Lawyer student loan reimbursement assistance program.
• 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.