Description:
Description:Position Title: Housing Justice Project Staff Attorney
Position Location: Tacoma, WA
Reports To: Housing Justice Project Managing Attorneys
Full-time /Part-time: Full-time, Salaried
FLSA Status (Exempt / Non-exempt): Exempt
Benefits Eligible (Yes/No): Yes
Staff Attorney Job Summary
Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization located in downtown Tacoma, providing free civil legal aid to low-income individuals who face legal issues. The Housing Justice Project (HJP) is a specific program of Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers, which focuses on eviction prevention and providing legal advice and counsel to indigent tenants facing landlord-tenant issues.
In 2021, Washington implemented a right to counsel for indigent tenants in unlawful detainer proceedings. Tacomaprobono's HJP facilitates the Appointed Counsel Program for Pierce County. Our office also represents indigent tenants located in several other Washington counties. Tacomaprobono's Housing Justice Project is currently accepting applications for a Staff Attorney on an ongoing basis to fill current and potential position openings.
Qualifications and Functions of a Staff Attorney
- Licensed to practice law in Washington (APR9 eligible law-school graduates qualify).
- Knowledge of Washington housing law, or a commitment to learn this specialized field.
- Ability to self-manage a full caseload of clients in every stage of eviction litigation (full caseload amounts varies depending on eligible clients);
- Develop and maintain relationships with opposing counsel, the court, and the community.
- 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.
- Ability to work respectfully and effectively with low-income clients, individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds, survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, individuals from historically marginalized and oppressed communities.
- Ability to work collaboratively with other attorneys or third parties as required by case.
- Participate in specific and general CLE trainings.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Zoom, SharePoint, and LegalServer or other case management software offered by Tacomaprobono.
- Ability to timely meet other ancillary work-related requirements, such as timekeeping entry, client notes, client outcomes, and case closing.
Work Hours:
- Full-time: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (35 hours/week).
- Hybrid schedule available upon approval.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions. Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time; interact with computer screens and manipulate essential computer components (i.e., mouse and keyboard). Mobility around the office, and abilities to bend/stoop, push/pull, and perform unassisted lifting consistent with the job duties are required.
