Disaster Legal Services Senior Attorney

NLSLA provides free assistance to more than 175,000 individuals and families a year through innovative projects that expand access to justice and address the most critical needs of people living in poverty throughout Los Angeles. We are a community of people who see the law as a powerful tool to fight for individual rights and social change. Our work aims to unravel entrenched disparities that have resulted from longstanding injustice, systemic racism, and institutionalized inequality.

As such, we know that a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences enhance our vision. This value is embodied within the diversity of our community offerings and among the colleagues that help enliven our culture. Cultivating an inclusive work environment that values a range of talent and ideas is a top priority for us. We enthusiastically encourage candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

ABOUT THIS POSITION:

The NLSLA Disaster Assistance Project team assists individuals who are experiencing legal issues after a disaster. The team is actively responding to the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires. The Disaster Legal Services Senior Attorney will assist disaster survivors impacted by the 2025 Wildfires, focusing on FEMA and SBA appeals, and periodically other legal issues. The attorney will staff the Disaster Recovery Center one to two times a week, assist staff and volunteers at the Altadena Disaster Recovery Center and other legal clinics, including FEMA appeal clinics, and provide oversight and guidance to pro bono. The Senior Attorney will substantively oversee the work on an intake paralegal.

In this role, you would report to the Disaster Assistance Pro Bono Manager and a career path may result in future opportunities. This position is exempt and temporary.

THIS POSITION MAY BE RIGHT FOR YOU IF:

• YOU HAVE EXEMPLARY COMMUNICATION SKILLS and can foster strong relationships.
• YOU ARE A GIFTED COLLABORATOR and enjoy working in a high-volume team environment facilitating team success through integration of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve common goals. 
• YOU ARE DRIVEN TO DEVELOP talent through ongoing feedback, guidance, and advancement efforts. You are committed to nurturing the potential of the team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and growth.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO DO IN THIS ROLE:

• Participate in staffing DRC one to two days per week and overseeing pro bono volunteers and other personnel who staff the Center.
• Engage in outreach to natural disaster survivors.
• Supervise pro bono volunteers at legal clinics and in disaster related cases.
• Develop consumer, case manager and pro bono online and in-person trainings on disaster legal issues.
• Develop readable consumer flyers and other materials for disaster survivors.
• Represent NLSLA at community events and meetings related to disaster preparedness and network with government, NGO, faith-based, and social services organizations relevant to disaster response.
• Travel to NLSLA program offices, courthouses, and other locations throughout Los Angeles County may be required.

HOW YOU CAN STAND OUT:

• Worked in a legal services firm.
• Passion for supporting people from different lived experiences.
• Experience working with and supervising pro bono volunteers.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED ON DAY ONE:

• A JD from an accredited law school and active California State Bar license.
• Active practice of law for a minimum of six (6) years.
• Experience working in a pro bono and/or legal aid setting.
• Developed expertise and in-depth knowledge in working with pro bono and in administrative law settings.
• Knowledge of MS Office, Windows, business communication platforms, and web-based case management platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including being attentive to cultural needs and differences.
• 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.

WHAT WE OFFER:

The salary range for this position is $92,000- $110,000.

Benefits include:

• 35-hour workweek with a hybrid schedule.
• 15 paid holidays per year
• 2 to 5 weeks of vacation per year depending on seniority.
• 12 days of sick leave per year.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and AD&D insurance; FSA; and EAP.
• A 403(b)-retirement plan.
• Monthly bilingual supplement.
• Lawyer student loan reimbursement assistance program.