Description:
Position MissionThe Senior Managing Attorney will play a crucial role in the strategic vision, planning, execution, and management of all operational activities. This role, in collaboration with the HJP leadership team, will represent and manage the program and will report to KCBA leadership. Job requirements include streamlining processes, enhancing efficiency, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to support HJP's team and assist HJP's growth. This position will be responsible for overseeing all legal and policy aspects of the organization to ensure smooth functioning and efficient delivery of services. In addition to being a key leader within KCBA, the Senior Managing Attorney will collaborate closely with all HJP staff to drive organizational effectiveness and foster a positive work environment. With significant growth in staffing and capacity in recent years, efforts are underway to transition the Housing Justice Project to become an independent 501(c)(3) organization. The person in this position will work with the KCBA/HJP transition team toward achieving this goal.
Key Responsibilities and Qualifications:
Leadership and Outreach
- Establish a Supportive, Equity-Driven, Discrimination- and Harassment-Free Work Environment for All Staff
- Oversee Staff as They Carry out Hjp's Mission of Zealous Advocacy on Behalf of Clients
- Promote Effective and Productive Working Relationships with Partner Organizations, Community Organizations, Government Entities, and Funders to Advance the Rights of Low-Income Tenants
- Act as Program Liaison for The Kcba Board and Prepare Reports as Requested
- Participate in And Contribute to Meetings with Kcba and Union Leadership as Requested
- Research and Analyze Appeals and Policy Goals to Prioritize for Legislative Advocacy to Advance Tenant Rights and Provide Public Testimony as Needed
- Work Collaboratively with Both Kcba and Hjp Leadership to Manage Grant Compliance and Submit Reports to Funders
- Engage in Community Outreach and Respond to Media Requests and Inquiries as Needed
- Collaborate with Kcba and Hjp Leadership Teams to Make Programmatic Policy Decisions
Supervision:
- Oversee Hiring and Training of Hjp Attorneys and Legal Staff; Supervise King County Lead Attorneys, and Spokane's Managing Attorney
- Monitor the Quality of Hjp's Advocacy on Behalf of Clients
- Oversee Professional Development and Training Needs of Staff
- Ensure Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements Governing the Provision of Legal Services, Including Confidentiality, Data Security, and Ethical Standards
- Ensure Equitable Caseloads Between Attorneys
- Oversee and Ensure the Maintenance of Accurate and Easily Retrievable Case Files, Legal Research, and Administrative Files
- Handle a Limited Caseload Commensurate with Managing Responsibilities
- Work with Lead Attorneys to Ensure Smooth Operations of Both Hjp's in Person Clinics.
Required Qualifications:
- J.D. and Licensed to Practice Law in Washington State, or Eligible for Admission by Motion Under Washington State Practice Rule 3(c)(1)
- At Least Five Years of Litigation Experience; Experience Working in Civil Legal Aid Highly Desired
- At Least Two Years of Experience in Supervision and Program Administration (additional Experience Preferred)
- Demonstrated Ability to Train, Supervise, and Mentor Attorneys and Maintain Quality Control for The Program
- Strong Communication Skills and Ability to Motivate and Lead
- Deep Familiarity with Housing and Tenant Laws
- Working Knowledge of Civil Procedure and Rules of Evidence
- Demonstrated Commitment to Understanding and Addressing Issues Facing Low-Income and Vulnerable People
- Demonstrated Ability to Handle Multiple Tasks and Meet Deadlines
- Ability to Analyze Information Quickly and Work Well in A Fast-Paced Environment
- Creative Problem-Solving and Ability to Navigate Conflict
- Proficiency with Technology Including Ms Word, Excel, and Outlook; Experience with Legal Server Preferred
- Dedicated Team Player with A Commitment to Collaboration and Ability to Interact Professionally and Effectively with Co-Workers, Board Members, Volunteers, Clients, Outside Counsel, and Court Personnel
- Demonstrated Ability to Work with Limited English Proficient Clients and Clients with Physical or Mental Disabilities
Desired Qualifications:
- Knowledge and Experience Representing Tenants Under Washington State's Landlord- Tenant Laws
- Non-Profit or Legal Aid Management Experience Including Budget Development and Understanding of Revenue and Expense Management
- Experience in Local and State Policy Advocacy
- Familiarity with Social Services Resources
- Experience Working in A Unionized Workplace
Location:
This Position Is Hybrid with Both In-Person and Remote Work. In-Person Work May Be Performed at The King County Superior Court in Seattle or Kent, Wa.