Staff Attorney

The California Center for Movement Legal Services provides legal services in the pursuit of improving the lives of California's traditionally underserved residents, including communities of color, low-income and working families, and undocumented people, by carrying out legal work that fosters relationships with community organizers. Our Los Angeles team focuses mainly on eviction defense across LA County. We are looking for an eviction defense attorney to join our team.

TITLE: Staff Attorney

SALARY: $78,000-90k or commensurate with experience

HOURS: 36 hours per week

LOCATION: Los Angeles: Hybrid in Los Angeles: Office / Court / Remote

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time Exempt

BENEFITS: Medical, dental, vision and life insurance and $500 employer contribution to a health savings account; retirement 401(k) program with 8% employer contribution

REQUIREMENTS:

• Licensed to practice law in California
• References including litigation colleagues/supervisor
• Passion for tenants’ rights advocacy

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Some eviction defense experience
• Conversational in language(s) other than English (Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese)
• Experience working with or as a community organizer

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Staff Attorney will be practicing unlawful detainers and affirmative litigation in the spirit and scope of impact litigation, policy development, and community organizing. The Staff Attorney’s primary role will be providing eviction defense representation to tenants, tenant organizers, and tenant associations, managing a caseload of approximately 40 cases per year.

This position will also do occasional work on policy advocacy matters for ACCE or other organizational clients, including ordinance drafting and advocacy with elected officials’ offices. The Staff Attorney will be mentored in these areas but will require a strong foundation in litigation and oral advocacy.

FURTHER DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Make court appearances, including hearings, settlement conferences, and jury trials;
• Draft complaints, motions, pleadings, and discovery;
• Draft demand letters on behalf of clients;
• Attend 1–2 night legal clinics a month and provide brief legal advice to clients;
• Conduct legal research;
• Draft legal memos;
• Draft legislation and advocate for legislation;
• Interview clients;
• Attend coalition meetings;
• Make media appearances; and
• Draft legal know-your-rights materials and make presentations for community members and attorneys.

TO APPLY:

Send a copy of your resume and references to losangeles@movementlegal.org. References should include a litigation colleague or supervisor. No cover letter is necessary, but the initial interview will focus on your litigation experience, professional goals, and community values. Movement Legal is committed to an inclusive, diverse, and accommodating work environment.

Medical, dental, vision and life insurance and $500 employer contribution to a health savings account; retirement 401(k) program with 8% employer contribution