Description:

Description:
Are you passionate about housing justice and ready to use your legal expertise to create meaningful change?

The Housing Staff Attorney will work as a member of the housing team to serve and represent low-income tenants who are facing eviction in Orange County. This full-time exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney and is based in the Santa Ana office.

Responsibilities:

Maintain a caseload representing tenants in unlawful detainer matters, including handling negotiations, settlements, and trials.
Advise tenants on landlord/tenant issues.
Actively participate in community groups and coalitions on issues impacting service-eligible populations.
Engage in community outreach, including conducting know your rights presentations.
Maintain accurate case documentation and timekeeping in LegalServer.
Interview clients and conduct case investigations, witness interviews, and legal research.
Draft legal documents and support negotiations and settlement discussions.
Work with community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials.
Engage in policy advocacy, coordinate, and collaborate in policy campaigns with partner community-based organizations to improve systemic issues.
Direct and supervise the legal work of paralegal and law students, interns, and volunteers.
Identify wrap-around legal services and work collaboratively with CLA SoCal's various legal units.
Work with a multi-cultural perspective.
Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

Requirements:
Education:
Juris Doctor degree and an active member in good standing of the California Bar or member to another state bar and ability to register as a legal services provider.

Qualifications:

Valid driver's license and reliable transportation with the ability to travel regularly throughout the service area to support client representation and community engagement. – Required
Familiarity with landlord tenant law - Preferred.
Litigation experience including propounding and responding to discovery, taking and defending depositions, and representing clients in trial - Preferred.
Excellent written and verbal communication, advocacy, problem-solving, and computer skills.
Strong work ethic with the ability to manage multiple priorities, stay organized, and meet deadlines independently.
Ability to identify legal issues and provide timely counsel and guidance.
Strong client service, interpersonal, and trauma-informed communication skills, including working with diverse and indigent populations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal document preparation software.
Reliable, detail-oriented team player with a collaborative mindset and commitment to continuous learning.
Commitment to CLA SoCal's values and mission - Required
Bilingual proficiency – Preferred