Supervising Attorney – Eviction Defense Center

About the Position:

Are you interested in joining an organization dedicated to increasing access to justice while addressing systemic inequities among the most vulnerable members of the Greater Los Angeles area? If yes, LAFLA is the place for you!

The Organization: LAFLA is a nonprofit law firm that protects and advances the rights of the most underserved—leveling the playing field and ensuring that everyone can have access to the justice system. With more than 90 years of service, LAFLA is the first and most experienced legal aid organization in greater Los Angeles. LAFLA has more than 190 employees, including more than 90 attorneys, who provide free services and resources on a broad range of civil legal issues that impact health, safety, and self-sufficiency. Every year, LAFLA helps more than 100,000 people find their voice, regain control of their lives, and build a brighter future. Our unique combination of neighborhood offices, self-help centers at courthouses, and domestic violence clinics put LAFLA on the frontlines in communities at the forefront of change. LAFLA also engages in impact litigation to help enact long-term systemic change—actively collaborating with a network of public and private partners to expand access to justice, identify needs in the communities we serve, and change laws and policies that adversely affect the underserved. For more information, please visit www.lafla.org.

Eviction Defense Center: The Eviction Defense Center was created in 1983 and was the first large-scale eviction defense program. Right to Counsel (Stay Housed Los Angeles) is a new project to bring much needed eviction defense resources to tenants in Los Angeles County communities and may be the first step toward a “Right to Counsel” for tenant eviction defense. The team will work in collaboration with other internal and external eviction defense projects as well as a multi-organizational coalition.

LAFLA is currently accepting applications for the position of Supervising Attorney.

*Assigned location is subject to change during course of employment.

Qualifications:

• Active membership in the California State Bar;
• Minimum four (4) years’ experience in the practice of housing law, including broad experience in lawyering skills, including client interviewing, legal research, writing, drafting, negotiation, law and motion and discovery techniques, and trial work;
• Demonstrated knowledge of landlord-tenant, housing law and the eviction process;
• Willingness to assume responsibility quickly;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to meet deadlines and perform multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail;
• Demonstrated ability to handle direct service cases and impact cases of a complex nature;
• Previous experience in a legal services program preferred;
• Ability to track, maintain and report statistics to funders;
• Ability to work beyond a minimum 7.0 hour workday, including evening and weekend meetings and events, and work weeks commonly in excess of 35 hours;
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff at all levels of the Foundation;
• Excellent people skills and the ability to maintain positive relations with a diverse population;
• Previous experience supervising or mentoring attorneys.

Examples of Duties:

• Supervise attorneys and other staff under the direction of the Managing Attorney;
• Work closely with the Managing Attorney of the workgroup;
• Co-counsel with staff attorneys;
• Review retained cases on a regular basis;
• Supervise the maintenance of proper case files and time records;
• Implement LAFLA’s Performance Standards and draft staff evaluations;
• Coordinate service delivery with court administrative staff and Judicial Officers;
• Attend various community partner meetings; and
• Ensure that legal services provided are consistent with LAFLA’s priorities, policies and procedures, and that they maximize office resources to provide the highest quality client service.

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample online to edcjobs@lafla.org. Include “Supervising Attorney-EDC/RtC” in the subject line.

INTRODUCTORY PERIOD – A one-year probationary period will be required.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER – Selection will be based solely on merit and will be without discrimination because of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, religion, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, marital or registered domestic partners status, or any other legally protected status.

NOTE: LAFLA requires all staff to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 with the exception of staff who are entitled to a reasonable accommodation due to a medical disability or sincerely held religious belief under the law. You will be required to submit proof that you are fully vaccinated upon hire.

Benefits & Compensation

LAFLA offers a diverse environment with competitive compensation based on comparable public interest salaries. We also offer a generous benefits package for full-time employees including medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents, life insurance, long-term disability, long-term care insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan. Employees may also qualify for bilingual supplements, law student loan reimbursements, and a cell phone stipend. Please visit https://lafla.org/get-involved/careers for our salary scale for union, non-management staff.