Description:
The Neighborhood Law Corps (NLC) is a unique, innovative, and award-winning community law program that focuses on proactive, neighborhood-based, and community-directed lawyering. The program – described as a cross between Legal Aid and the Peace Corps – brings legal resources and remedies into Oakland's diverse neighborhoods to address issues affecting quality of life in those communities.The NLC attorney position is in the Litigation Division of the City Attorney's Office. NLC attorneys focus on combating blight, human trafficking, public safety, tenant protection, and other important community concerns and quality of life issues by performing litigation, policy work, and other actions. The position is responsible for representing the City in state and federal courts and will provide significant litigation-related experience.
While the NLC represents the City of Oakland, it works in collaboration with residents, neighborhood and merchant groups, and other public agencies.
This is a 2-year at-will position.
Duties & Responsibilities:
This position focuses on litigation and problem-solving related to blight, nuisance, and improving the quality of life in Oakland's diverse neighborhoods. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: case evaluation, preparing pleadings, propounding and responding to discovery, taking and defending depositions, preparing for and representing the City in court, including settlement conferences, motions, and at trial. Attendance at evening and weekend community meetings is required on an as-needed basis. The incumbent will work for the City of Oakland under the supervision of a senior attorney.
Qualifications, Experience & Education
We are seeking candidates who are highly motivated problem-solvers, able to communicate effectively with diverse communities, and who enjoy a high level of responsibility. We will consider new California barred law school graduates, recent federal or state law clerks, and attorneys with practice experience.
Prior litigation experience, a background in municipal law, and a demonstrated commitment to public interest law are desirable, as are superior legal research, writing, and oral argument skills.
Foreign language skills – especially in Spanish, Cantonese or Mandarin – are a plus and will be a factor in selecting a candidate for the position.
The applicant must be a graduate of an accredited law school and a member in good standing of the California State Bar at the time of hire. The successful applicant also will be asked to submit to and pass a background check.
