Description:
The HJP Staff Attorney works collaboratively with Tacomaprobono staff on active eviction issues to provide professional, client-centered representation to low-income individuals facing housing and eviction-related issues.Description:
Nature of Work and Position Duties
The Housing Justice Project (HJP) is a specific program of Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers. HJP focuses on eviction prevention, providing legal advice and counsel to indigent tenants facing landlord-tenant issues such as habitability. HJP also hosts the appointed counsel program, which represents indigent tenants in Pierce and several other Washington counties in unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings. The primary responsibility of the HJP Staff Attorney is to provide legal services to low-income tenants facing housing-related issues. The HJP Staff Attorney works collaboratively with Tacomaprobono staff on active eviction issues to provide professional, client-centered representation to low-income individuals facing housing and eviction-related issues.
This position is classified as a hybrid role, meaning that the work arrangement calls for both hours in the office and remote work. Everyone in a hybrid role is required to spend some time in the office. Work arrangements can change based on business need.
Essential HJP Staff Attorney Functions
- Prepare and manage a high-volume caseload requiring frequent client interaction, possible negotiations with opposing parties, and court appearances as necessary.
- Develop and maintain relationships with opposing counsel, the court, and the community.
- Participate in specialized legal clinics, ‘know your rights' presentations, and other formal and informal
- opportunities for low-income tenants to access legal advice and representation; make referrals to other
- Tacomaprobono clinics and programs and other organizations to ensure low-income tenants have holistic access to legal representation and client services for all civil legal needs.
- Cooperate with other programs operated by Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers to improve existing legal services.
- Participate in program-related CLE training.
Experience And Qualifications:
- Licensed to practice law in Washington or planning to take the next available Washington State Bar exam.
- Knowledge of Washington housing law, or a commitment to learn this specialized field.
- Litigation and direct client management experience preferred.
- Demonstrated experience working directly with low-income clients, individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds, survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, and/or individuals from historically marginalized and oppressed communities.
- Established commitment to providing legal assistance to low-income clients.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with others.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Zoom, and LegalServer or similar case management software.
