Description:
Description:About Public Counsel
Public Counsel Is a Nonprofit Public Interest Law Firm Dedicated to Advancing Civil Rights and Racial and Economic Justice, as Well as To Amplifying the Power of Our Clients Through Comprehensive Legal Advocacy. Founded on And Strengthened by A Pro Bono Legal Service Model, Our Staff and Volunteers Seek Justice Through Direct Legal Services, Promote Healthy and Resilient Communities Through Education and Outreach, and Support Community-Led Efforts to Transform Unjust Systems Through Litigation and Policy Advocacy in And Beyond Los Angeles.
Public Counsel Organizes Its Work Through Seven Legal Teams: Child, Youth & Family Advocacy, Community Development, Consumer Rights & Economic Justice (crej), Homelessness Prevention, Immigrants' Rights, Education Equity, and Our Impact Litigation Team, Opportunity Under Law.
Public Counsel Has Approximately 170 Full-Time Staff. We Are Committed to Building a Diverse Staff and Encourage Applications from People of Color, People with Disabilities, and People of All Gender Identities, Gender Expressions, and Sexualities. We Recognize the Essential Role of Staff in Achieving Our Goals, and We Have Set a Long-Term Intention to Provide Competitive Compensation, Benefits, Training, Mentorship, and Overall Workplace Wellness, Making Public Counsel a Leader Among Nonprofit Law Firms.
About Consumer Rights & Economic Justice
Crej Advances Racial and Economic Justice by Representing and Advocating for Individuals Who Are Low-Income and Their Families to Improve Their Financial Futures, Safeguard Intergenerational Wealth, Address Systemic Inequalities, and Oppose the Institutions and Companies that Take Advantage of The Communities We Serve. Our Diverse Team Provides Direct Services to Low-Income People in Los Angeles and Surrounding Counties, Engages in Impact Litigation on Consumer and Civil Rights Issues, and Advocates for Laws and Policies to Protect Consumers and The Economically Vulnerable at The Local, State and National Levels. in Addition to A Core Group of Attorneys and Staff Dedicated to Consumer and Economic Justice Issues, Crej Also Encompasses Access to Justice Clinics for State Appellate and Federal Self-Represented Litigants. Crej Also Runs Cancer Justice, a National Program Focused on The Legal and Financial Impacts of Cancer, Particularly Issues Affecting Economic Stability and Health Equity.
Job Summary:
Reporting to The Supervising Attorney, the Fellow Will:
- Provide Direct Legal Services to Low-Income Clients, Including Seniors
- Develop Expertise in Foreclosure Defense, Loss Mitigation, and Other Legal Issues Related to Income Stabilization for Low-Income Homeowners, Including Debt Collection and Student Loan Matters
- Conduct Community Presentations on Topics Including the Foreclosure Process, Homeowners' Rights, Scam Avoidance, Consumer Debt Defense, and Bankruptcy
- Collaborate with Community-Based Organizations to Conduct Outreach on Legal Services and Financial Relief for Homeowners at Greatest Risk of Foreclosure Throughout Los Angeles, Kern, and Ventura Counties
- Staff Monthly Homeowner Preservation Clinics
- Contribute to Litigation, as Appropriate
- Assist the Directing Attorney, Supervising Attorney, and Team with Occasional Research and Writing Projects, as Well as Grant Reporting Supervise Summer Law Clerks and Other Volunteers
- Perform Other Duties as Assigned
Requirements:
Essential Job Skills and Abilities
- 0–1 Years of Legal Experience
- Juris Doctor Degree and A Member in Good Standing of The California State Bar; Applicants Taking the July 2026 California Bar Exam Will Also Be Considered
- Excellent Oral and Written Communication Skills
- Excellent Legal Research Skills
- Ability to Quickly Assimilate Complex Case Facts and Good Attention to Detail
- Ability to Stay Organized and Handle a Full Caseload
- Willingness and Desire to Litigate
- Ability to Work Both Independently and Collaboratively
- High Levels of Emotional Intelligence, Maturity, and Cultural Competency, Including Curiosity, Self-Awareness, Awareness of Bias, Empathy, Patience, Listening Skills, and A Growth Mindset
- Strong Team Player Who Is Willing to Pivot and Pitch in As Needed
- Commitment to Economic and Racial Justice, Including Participation in And Advancement of Equity and Inclusion Work at Public Counsel
- Experience in Consumer Law, Particularly Foreclosure Defense, Debt Collection, And/or Student Loan Matters, Is Highly Desirable
- Ability to Read, Write, and Speak Fluently in Spanish Desirable
- Exempt Employees Are Expected to Work a Minimum of 37.5 Hours per Week and Must Work All Additional Time Necessary to Accomplish Job Duties in A Timely and Professional Manner. They Must Be Flexible in Work Hours so As to Provide Superior Quality and Timely Service to Clients Consistent with The Position and Professional Responsibility Obligations.
How to Apply:
We Value Lived Experiences and Experiences Working with Clients Across a Range of Settings. Please Consider Discussing Such Experiences in Your Cover Letter, Especially if They Are Not Reflected in Your Resume.