Trial Attorney - LA County

Defend Tenants. Fight Displacement and Housing Insecurity. Build Courtroom Skills.

BASTA Universal is one of Los Angeles County’s largest free housing legal service providers

and a member of the Stay Housed LA (SHLA) coalition, fighting housing inequality through

zealous tenant advocacy in nine courthouses across the region. We believe housing is a

human right, and we are looking for attorneys ready to stand in court to prove it.

Ideal Candidate

You are a California-barred attorney (newly licensed welcome) who wants real courtroom

experience. You thrive under pressure, stay cool with clients in crisis, and want your work to

mean something tangible at the end of every day. You are bilingual in English and Spanish,

ready to travel across L.A. County, and eager to learn trial practice from attorneys who have

saved thousands of people from displacement and eviction.

Maybe you have been practicing a few years, and you are burned out on corporate clients.

Maybe you are tired of encountering red tape or having others second guessing every

strategy, blocking you from filing motions that you know will win, or scolding you when you

want to take a case to trial. Here, using our guidelines, you run your own cases and try them.

This is your change in scenery.

What You Will Get

• Learn alongside experienced trial attorneys by shadowing them in court, discussing strategy and seeing firsthand how they advocate for clients.
• Flexibility in managing your own caseload while receiving guidance and support whenever you need it.
• The chance to develop litigation skills through motion practice, court appearances, and hands-on experience at every stage of a case.
• Real trials! The best way to become a stronger advocate is by doing the work.
• Regular meetings with fellow attorneys for case strategy, collaboration, and personal growth – whether individually or as a group.
• Continue learning through trainings offered by our SHLA contractor and other opportunities to build your legal skills.
• Connect with a community of like-minded individuals by working alongside legal aid organizations, community partners, and housing advocates who share your commitment to fighting for tenants.
• Work that matters because we do not sell out clients – you have an opportunity to defend a family’s right to stay housed or help them with a dignified transition.

Requirements

• Active California Bar member in good standing
• Excellent people skills – communicative, patient, calm under stress, client-focused
• Strong time management, multitasking, and case management abilities
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Willing to work from one of our offices (Los Angeles/Long Beach/Van Nuys/Lancaster)
• Willing to travel independently throughout L.A. County
• Willing to lead or assist with tenant workshops and know-your-rights trainings
• Comfort with high-adrenaline, fast-paced litigation

Compensation

Salary: $85,000–$120,000 (commensurate with experience)

Benefits: Health and dental insurance; paid sick/personal days, vacation time, and other

designated holidays; enrollment in Group Life insurance including AD&D*; retirement savings

through our 403b program.

Ready to litigate with purpose? Apply now. Come meet with us.

Health and dental insurance; paid sick/personal days, vacation time, and other

designated holidays; enrollment in Group Life insurance including AD&D*; retirement savings

through our 403b program.

Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred