Description:
Position Summary:
A staff attorney in the Denver Housing Unit (“DHU”) works as a legal advocate for tenants at risk of or facing eviction and is on the front line in defending tenants to prevent eviction and homelessness. DHU provides a range of eviction prevention services from giving brief legal advice and information, limited assistance to full representation in court. DHU operates eviction prevention clinics to advise, educate, prepare answers for tenants facing eviction and evaluate cases for full representation. DHU is committed to staff mindfulness and proper work/life balance, and thus, takes active efforts to ensure that staff caseloads are properly managed. Because of their vulnerability, DHU prioritizes assisting tenants living in federally subsidized housing.
Essential Duties:
Deliver exceptional legal counsel and advocacy that align with program objectives and meets the standards set forth by CLS Casehandler guidelines. Engage and collaborate with a highly motivated and enthusiastic team of over twenty dedicated professionals committed to preventing homelessness. Display patience, empathy, and sound judgment for clients, including those with diverse backgrounds, disabilities, and mental health challenges, while providing clear, transparent communication and managing their expectations effectively. Interview clients and witnesses, investigate facts to build client defenses and case strategy, engage in motions practice and negotiations, and represent tenants at court and administrative hearings. Maintain comprehensive and current documentation of client case notes in case management system. Aid tenants at courthouse clinics, providing information and advice while quickly assessing their legal matter to draft pleadings. Research complex housing issues, involving both state and federal laws with eye towards looking for systemic ways to address homelessness. Working collaboratively with partner organizations, including agencies who offer rental assistance.
Required Qualifications:
Valid license to practice law in the state of Colorado or ability to obtain a Colorado license as soon as practicable. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Detail-oriented with strong critical thinking and analytical skills. Commitment to direct tenant advocate services. Ability to work at a quick pace and balance different tasks and responsibilities at the same time.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience representing clients in the court or administrative process. Comfortable making arguments in front of a judge or administrative body. Experience or knowledge of housing law, especially subsidized housing requirements.
A staff attorney in the Denver Housing Unit (“DHU”) works as a legal advocate for tenants at risk of or facing eviction and is on the front line in defending tenants to prevent eviction and homelessness. DHU provides a range of eviction prevention services from giving brief legal advice and information, limited assistance to full representation in court. DHU operates eviction prevention clinics to advise, educate, prepare answers for tenants facing eviction and evaluate cases for full representation. DHU is committed to staff mindfulness and proper work/life balance, and thus, takes active efforts to ensure that staff caseloads are properly managed. Because of their vulnerability, DHU prioritizes assisting tenants living in federally subsidized housing.
Essential Duties:
Deliver exceptional legal counsel and advocacy that align with program objectives and meets the standards set forth by CLS Casehandler guidelines. Engage and collaborate with a highly motivated and enthusiastic team of over twenty dedicated professionals committed to preventing homelessness. Display patience, empathy, and sound judgment for clients, including those with diverse backgrounds, disabilities, and mental health challenges, while providing clear, transparent communication and managing their expectations effectively. Interview clients and witnesses, investigate facts to build client defenses and case strategy, engage in motions practice and negotiations, and represent tenants at court and administrative hearings. Maintain comprehensive and current documentation of client case notes in case management system. Aid tenants at courthouse clinics, providing information and advice while quickly assessing their legal matter to draft pleadings. Research complex housing issues, involving both state and federal laws with eye towards looking for systemic ways to address homelessness. Working collaboratively with partner organizations, including agencies who offer rental assistance.
Required Qualifications:
Valid license to practice law in the state of Colorado or ability to obtain a Colorado license as soon as practicable. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Detail-oriented with strong critical thinking and analytical skills. Commitment to direct tenant advocate services. Ability to work at a quick pace and balance different tasks and responsibilities at the same time.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience representing clients in the court or administrative process. Comfortable making arguments in front of a judge or administrative body. Experience or knowledge of housing law, especially subsidized housing requirements.
