Law Graduate Fellow - Homeownership Protection ...

Description:

Position Overview:
The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino (LASSB) seeks a recent law school graduate to serve as a Law Graduate Fellow supporting our Homeownership Protection Project. This fellowship is designed to expand access to legal services for low- and moderate-income homeowners facing foreclosure, title issues, heirs' property disputes, predatory lending, and related housing instability matters.

This position offers hands-on litigation and advocacy experience under the supervision of experienced attorneys, along with structured mentorship and professional development. Fellows may qualify under the State Bar of California's Provisional Licensure Program (PLLP), subject to eligibility requirements and LASSB's supervisory capacity.

This is a grant-funded, limited-term position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide direct legal services to eligible homeowners, including advice, brief services, and full representation.
• Assist with foreclosure prevention, quiet title, probate-related property matters, mortgage servicing disputes, and related consumer issues.
• Conduct client intake, case assessment, and legal research.
• Draft pleadings, motions, correspondence, and settlement agreements.
• Represent clients in administrative hearings and court proceedings (consistent with licensure status and supervision requirements).
• Participate in community education and outreach efforts.
• Maintain accurate case files and comply with grant reporting requirements.
• Engage in ongoing mentorship and professional development activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.)
• Recent law graduate awaiting California Bar results, sitting for the upcoming exam, or eligible under the State Bar of California's Provisional Licensure Program.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and access to justice.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively with low-income and diverse communities.
• Ability to work independently under supervision.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in housing, foreclosure defense, probate, consumer protection, or civil litigation.
• Experience working with vulnerable or historically underserved communities.
• Bilingual proficiency (Spanish preferred but not required).
• Supervision & Professional Development
• The Fellow will receive structured supervision from a licensed California attorney consistent with State Bar requirements. LASSB is committed to providing mentorship, substantive training, and professional growth opportunities to support the Fellow's transition into full licensure and long-term public interest practice.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary range: $78,000 – $85,000 annually (commensurate with experience and funding parameters).
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (subject to eligibility).
• Paid holidays and leave benefits in accordance with organizational policy.
• Professional development support.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including people of color, individuals from low-income communities, first-generation professionals, veterans, persons with disabilities, and members of historically underrepresented communities in the legal profession.

LASSB complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including California FEHA requirements. Employment decisions are made without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, registered domestic partner status, reproductive health decision-making, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

How to Apply:
Please submit:

• Resume
• Cover letter describing your interest in public interest law and homeownership protection
• Writing sample
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Note: Fellowship eligibility may include applicants hired as fellows and/or provisionally licensed lawyers (PLLs), subject to State Bar Provisional Licensure Program requirements and organizational capacity to provide appropriate supervision, professional development, and mentorship.

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