Senior Attorney – Stay Housed LA Program 

Change Lives and Transform Communities – Join Our Eviction Defense 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. Our mission is to unravel entrenched disparities caused by systemic racism and inequality. 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

We seek a licensed attorney to join our Eviction Defense Team, fighting the housing crisis in Los Angeles through a county-wide right to counsel program. The attorney will represent tenants in eviction cases across multiple courthouses, handling all stages of litigation, from pleadings to trial.

The Senior Attorney manages complex cases, serves as a resource on eviction defense, and mentors newer attorneys by reviewing work, co-counseling, and leading community presentations. The Senior Attorney participates in the ongoing development and refinement of NLSLA’s advocacy and delivery of services, which may involve attending training and leadership meetings and being staffed on program committees. In short, the Senior Attorney is an effective leader in the program and in the broader community. 

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

What You’ll Do

• Provide counsel and advice on a variety of housing matters and represent tenants in administrative hearings with local housing authorities and through trial in unlawful detainer proceedings.
• Manage a varied caseload, including more complex cases.
• Operate weekly “know your rights” clinics for tenants.
• Prepare educational materials.
• Collaborate with pro bono partners.
• Work with student volunteers and pro bono volunteers.
• Provide training and mentorship to newer and less experienced attorneys.
• Review and provide substantive feedback on case strategies and work products developed by attorneys, volunteers, paralegals, and law clerks in the practice area.
• Stay apprised of legal and social developments that impact the practice’s work, including judicial decisions, case successes and/or failures, new or pending legislation, and/or administrative rules.
• Represent the unit and the program in community and organizational meetings, working groups, and LSC-compliant advisory boards.
• Participate (where appropriate) in LSC-compliant administrative, policy, and legislative advocacy.
• Co-counsel cases with less experienced advocates in their unit.
• Co-facilitate community presentations with less experienced advocates in their unit, where appropriate.
• Participate in, and at times lead, short- and long-term planning for projects, the eviction defense practice area, and the program at large.
• Assist with and at times lead case reviews, meetings, and work groups.
• Travel to other NLSLA branch offices, courts, government agencies, shelters and community-based organizations in 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.
• Active practice of law for a minimum of six (6) years. 
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent writing, speaking and organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively.
• Passion about public service work.
• Passion for NLSLA mission and demonstrated commitment to advocating for the legal rights of low-income individuals.
• Passion, empathy, and compassion for supporting people from different lived experiences.
• Knowledge of MS Office, Windows, business communication platforms, and web-based case management platforms.

Bonus Points if You

• Are bilingual in Spanish, which is highly valued in our community outreach efforts.

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: $92,000–$100,000, 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.