Description:

Rising for Justice (RFJ) invites applications for a Clinical Staff Attorney for its Housing Advocacy and Litigation Clinic (HALC). Reporting to RFJ's Director of HALC, the Clinical Staff Attorney is part of a dynamic interdisciplinary team that provides clinical legal education and case supervision to law students from DC-area law schools enrolled in the clinic, alongside direct legal representation to DC's low-income tenants facing eviction.

Clinical Staff Attorneys in HALC guide students through all aspects of client representation, including interviewing and maintaining ongoing communication with clients, conducting fact investigations, legal research and writing, arguing motions, engaging in pretrial discovery, conducting evidentiary hearings, trying cases, negotiating settlement agreements, handling appeals, and assisting clients with enforcement of judgments and settlement agreements. Through seminars, reading assignments, mock hearings, guided reflection, and individual and group instruction, the Clinical Staff Attorney helps students develop strategic judgment, problem-solving skills, and zealous, client-centered advocacy.

Position Responsibilities:
Teaching and Student Supervision
In consultation with the HALC Director, assist with planning and teaching seminar classes in lawyering and advocacy skills, substantive housing law and procedure, evidence, ethics and professionalism, and systemic advocacy.

Supervise second- and third-year law students in the representation of clients in housing matters ranging from same-day legal services to extended representation.
Guide student supervisees to reflect on their clinic experiences to improve their lawyering and advocacy skills.
Evaluate student progress and completion of assignments, including oversight of student evaluation processes and grades.

Client Services and Advocacy

Supervise law students providing same-day legal services at RFJ's office at the Landlord and Tenant Branch and other locations and coordinate same-day services with RFJ staff and other court-based legal service providers.
Provide direct client representation as necessary and between semesters.
Supervise intake, including monitoring intake systems, managing non-attorney screening, evaluating and assigning cases, supporting on-call attorneys and students in the provision of timely and comprehensive advice and brief services, and identifying cases for possible extended or full representation.
Work in tandem with other RFJ advocacy units to achieve the best outcomes for clients.

Community, Partnerships, and Operations

Plan and participate in community presentations, including Know-Your-Rights trainings and other community outreach events.
Serve as a liaison to area law schools in consultation with RFJ management.
Participate in student recruitment activities and organizational resource development opportunities.
Maintain thorough and timely data input in RFJ's case management system and support grant reporting requirements, including maintaining complete case records and updating and closing cases in a timely way.
Maintain workload expectations and demonstrate effective time and workload management skills.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Must be admitted to the DC Bar or eligible for immediate admission by waiver.
At least three years of litigation experience as a practicing attorney.
A strong work ethic, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, excellent communication and organizational skills, and a client-centered approach to advocacy.
A passion for teaching and mentoring law students, with demonstrated capacity for zealous, client-centered representation and a willingness to take on additional responsibility.
Clinical education experience or other teaching and supervisory experience preferred.
Understanding of DC housing law and federal and local subsidy programs, and familiarity with the DC courts and administrative agencies preferred.
Spanish language skills and prior experience advocating for low-income persons desirable.

Hours, Salary, and Benefits:
This is a full-time position with a 40-hour workweek. A fixed scale determines RFJ salaries based on years of relevant experience. The salary scale for this position is $70,967 to $101,182 annually. RFJ offers a competitive benefits package, including employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous sick, annual, and personal leave; life and disability insurance; and paid federal and local holidays. RFJ currently offers a hybrid work environment, with three days of in-office work and two days of remote work.