Attorney – Santa Monica Right to Counsel (Stay Housed LA)

Attorney – Santa Monica Right to Counsel (Stay Housed LA)

Join us in an organization dedicated to increasing access to justice while addressing systemic inequities among the most vulnerable members of the Greater Los Angeles area. The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) is the country’s oldest and largest legal aid organization serving the Los Angeles communities. We protect and advance the rights of the most underserved, leveling the playing field and ensuring that everyone can have access to the justice system. Celebrating 95 years of service, LAFLA has more than 200 employees, including more than 100 attorneys, who provide free services and resources on a broad range of civil legal issues that impact health, safety, and self‑sufficiency. Every year, we help more than 100,000 people find their voice, regain control of their lives, and build a brighter future. Our unique combination of neighborhood offices, self‑help centers at courthouses, and domestic violence clinics puts us on the frontlines in communities at the forefront of change. We also engage in impact litigation to enact long‑term systemic change, collaborating with a network of public and private partners to expand access to justice, identify needs, and change laws and policies that adversely affect the underserved.

The Santa Monica Workgroup

Our Santa Monica Workgroup is a community office assisting residents in the areas of housing, public benefits, domestic violence, and family advocacy. We coordinate advocacy with other non‑profits, community‑based organizations, and local government agencies to help our clients achieve the best results through a holistic model of community advocacy.

The Project

Stay Housed Los Angeles is a new initiative to provide much-needed eviction defense resources to tenants in Los Angeles County communities and may be the first step toward a “Right to Counsel” for tenant eviction defense. The team will collaborate with other internal and external eviction defense projects as well as a multi‑organizational coalition.

Supplies

LAFLA is currently accepting applications for the position of Attorney .

Qualifications

• Active membership in the California State Bar;
• Knowledge of landlord‑tenant housing law and the eviction process preferred;
• Litigation experience preferred;
• Demonstrated commitment to serving the needs of low‑income persons;
• Demonstrated ability to function professionally and effectively within a highly stressful environment;
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team;
• Ability to work effectively with government agencies, staff, volunteers, students, attorneys, and community members;
• Willingness to work beyond a minimum 7.0 hour workday, including evening and weekend meetings and events, and workweeks in excess of 35 hours when caseload or other obligations so necessitate.

Duties

• Litigate eviction cases on behalf of Santa Monica tenants in the Santa Monica courthouse;
• Interview and counsel clients affected by housing problems in Santa Monica;
• Participate in recurring clinics and other community outreach projects for both Santa Monica residents and Stay Housed LA;
• Work on policy issues related to eviction and/or housing;
• Represent subsidized housing clients at administrative hearings and writs;
• Other duties as assigned.

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume online to Include “Attorney – Santa Monica Right to Counsel” in the subject line.

Probationary Period

A one‑year probationary period will be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Selection will be based solely on merit and will be without discrimination because of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, religion, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, marital or registered domestic partner status, or any other legally protected status. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees pursuant to applicable law. If you require reasonable accommodation as part of the application process or expect to require an accommodation if hired, please contact

Benefits & Compensation

LAFLA offers a diverse environment with competitive compensation based on comparable public interest salaries. We also offer a generous benefits package for full‑time employees including medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents, life insurance, long‑term disability and long‑term care insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan. Eligible employees may also qualify for bilingual supplements, law student loan reimbursements, and a cell phone stipend. Please visit for our salary scale for union, non‑management staff.

Hybrid Work Schedule

Depending on job classifications, some LAFLA staff are working on a manager‑approved hybrid work schedule, with the ability to work remotely up to half the week, if preferred, after the probationary period. The successful candidate must be local and willing to work from the assigned LAFLA office.

Commitment to Employee Wellness

Due to the mission‑driven nature of the organization, LAFLA is committed to a healthy work‑life balance for all staff. In addition to a hybrid work schedule and robust benefits package, LAFLA staff enjoy wellness‑related benefits and employee assistance programs through our offered medical plans, as well as Wellness Friday video sessions, a wellness content library, 15 observed holidays, and generous time‑off benefits.

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Function

Legal

Industries

Law Practice