Spokane County Housing Justice Project Pre-Eviction Clinic Attorney

The King County Bar Association promotes and supports a diverse and collegial membership; works with the judiciary to achieve excellence, equity, and accessibility in the administration of justice; and benefits the community through public service and engagement in public policy.

The Housing Justice Project (HJP) is a homelessness prevention program providing accessible legal services to low-income, residential tenants facing eviction primarily in King and Spokane County. Legal assistance is provided through clinic-based counsel and advice, negotiated settlements, representation at Show Cause hearings, and/or referrals depending on tenants’ needs and financial eligibility.

Position Mission

HJP is seeking an attorney to provide representation to tenants at risk of facing eviction throughout Washington State. In 2021, Washington became the first state to guarantee counsel to low-income tenants facing eviction. The attorney will assist tenants in pre-litigation settlement, represent tenants at eviction hearings in subsidized housing cases, assist accessing community resources, and work on providing community education. The attorney will provide counsel-and-advice to tenants at bi-monthly community legal clinics in Spokane assisted by pro bono attorneys. The attorney will have opportunities to contribute to policy initiatives as they arise. The position is partially remote but will require in-person appearances at the community clinic each month in Spokane, Washington. It may additionally require in-person court appearances in Spokane County and for planned staff meetings. At the moment, court appearances in Spokane County can be handled remotely.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Advocacy:

• Provide counsel and advice to tenants at the in-person community clinic in Spokane, Washington;
• Direct client representation with pre-litigation settlement negotiation, reasonable accommodation requests, habitability repair demands, and preparation for litigation;
• Direct client representation of tenants facing eviction in unfiled subsidized housing cases;
• Potential representation of established clients in unlawful detainer proceedings where unresolved in the pre-filing stage;
• Perform trainings and community outreach;
• Keep up with legislative and regulatory changes.

Administrative and Supervisory:

• Review and oversee data input in Legal Server data management system;
• Prepare reports, data, articles, and communications both for internal and community distribution;
• Assist and participate in the development of community training materials and trainings on sustainable housing advocacy;
• Prepare and participate in bi-monthly community legal clinics;

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience with civil procedure, courtroom protocol, and rules of evidence;
• Experience in housing law and landlord-tenant law;
• Familiarity with affordable housing programs;
• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to track and consistently meet deadlines;
• Demonstrated commitment to understanding and addressing issues facing low-income and vulnerable people;
• Strong communication skills and ability to motivate and lead;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people;
• Demonstrated ability to work with community organizations and build partnerships;
• Demonstrated understanding of the impact of race, bias, discrimination, and differential treatment of communities disproportionately composed of Black, Indigenous, and people of color, individuals who identify as LGBTQ or other sexual minorities, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, limited English speaking persons, and others who have been historically marginalized in rental housing markets and in the law and justice system;
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines;
• Ability to analyze information quickly and work well in a fast-paced environment;
• Creative problem solving;
• Demonstrated ability to project patience and compassion under pressure.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proficiency with technology including MS Word, case management systems, and Outlook
• Licensed to practice law and in good standing in Washington state

About KCBA

Founded in 1886, KCBA is a membership legal organization with over 4,000 attorney members, over 70 staff and an annual budget of $10,000,000. As a unionized workplace and an equal opportunity employer, KCBA is committed to upholding an equity and justice-based organizational environment for the public, the client communities it serves, its members, its Boards, its staff and its volunteers. This means the organization actively promotes mutual respect, acceptance, teamwork, and productivity among people who are diverse in work background; lived and professional experience; immigration status and citizenship; education; race and ethnicity; national origin; sexual orientation; age; indigenous group membership; religious preference; marital status; sensory, mental, and physical abilities; social class; gender identity; veteran status, as well as other differences relevant to equity and justice. The resulting diversity is both a source of organizational strength and a matter of fundamental human fairness.

Please note, one of KCBA’s programs supports attorneys working with parents and guardians of at risk children. As a result, certain convictions would make an applicant ineligible.

POSITION DETAILS

This is an exempt full-time position requiring occasional local travel within the Spokane area. Salary range is from $73,000-$112,000 annually based on years of practice. Benefits include employer-paid healthcare, 401k plan with automatic employer contribution, flexible spending account, professional development opportunities, paid vacation and sick leave and more.

TO APPLY

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, but priority will be given to those who apply by 5:00 p.m. May 14, 2025 via email. Applications for Spokane Pre-Eviction Clinic Staff Attorney position must include a letter of interest that addresses any lived or professional experience that would contribute to our advocacy, resume, and three references. Make “Spokane Pre-Eviction Clinic Staff Attorney” the subject of your email and send to: hr@kcba.org.