Description:
The Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center (LaFHAC) seeks a Staff Attorney to work on the investigation and litigation of civil rights violations. The Staff Attorney will represent clients and the organization in fair housing and related civil rights matters in federal, state court, and administrative proceedings.About LaFHAC:
LaFHAC is a non-profit organization that seeks to eradicate housing discrimination, an illegal and divisive force that perpetuates poverty and segregation, and limits opportunity. LaFHAC was established in 1995 and is the only full-service fair housing advocacy organization in Louisiana. LaFHAC addresses housing discrimination by 1) educating housing consumers and providers about their rights and responsibilities to proactively prevent violations of the Fair Housing Act; 2) investigating fair housing violations; 3) challenging discriminatory housing practices and policies through litigation; 4) advocating for new policies that promote equitable housing; and 5) counseling homeowners facing foreclosure.
Education and Admission Requirements
Applicants must have a JD from an ABA-accredited law school and be a current member in good standing of the Louisiana Bar. We are unable to accept those who have not yet applied for the bar or are awaiting results at this time.
Responsibilities:
The Staff Attorney will handle all aspects of pre-litigation advocacy and litigation in housing discrimination and related civil rights cases, as well as assist with education efforts and policy advocacy. The Staff Attorney's responsibilities will include:
- Screening of intakes and requests for legal assistance. .
- Where appropriate, assist the Coordinator of Investigations with developing complaint-based testing/investigation strategies.
- Engage in a full range of advocacy services, including but not limited to: general legal advising, drafting demand letters and requests for reasonable accommodations.
- Devise creative litigation strategies aimed at providing the greatest positive outcome for the client and larger community.
- Represent LaFHAC and clients in administrative civil rights enforcement activities and federal court proceedings.
- Maintain full and accurate case files for legal proceedings, and assist with the maintenance of records for grant reporting, audits, and other purposes as necessary.
- Supervise legal interns, cooperating attorneys, and volunteer attorneys in fair housing litigation and administrative enforcement activities.
- Represent and advocate for LaFHAC and the communities we serve at fair housing meetings, events, and before government entities.
- Develop and maintain networking relationships within the community.
- Safeguard clients' records and confidentiality.
- Work as a team to further the mission and goals of LaFHAC and all its programs
- Conduct client intake as needed;
- Work collaboratively with other programs and initiatives to promote fair housing;
- Represent LaFHAC as necessary in public spaces in a way that embraces and embodies LaFHAC's mission and goals; and
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Our ideal candidate has all or most of the following qualifications:
- A demonstrated commitment to civil rights work is required.
- 1-3 years experience as a practicing attorney, including federal court litigation experience. Prior experience litigating or working in fair housing and/or other civil rights litigation is highly desirable.
- Ability to handle a diverse caseload with substantial independence.
- Excellent legal research, writing, and speaking skills.
- Creativity and willingness to work with others to develop effective legal and advocacy strategies for advancing civil and housing rights.
- Ability to speak to and work with clients and communities of diverse backgrounds.
- Excellent time management skills, including the ability to meet tight and overlapping deadlines.
- Ability to present complex legal information clearly and effectively to a range of audiences.
Salary and benefits:
The salary range is, and ranges from $60,000-$65,000 based on experience. Placement on the pay scale is based on the following factors:
- Years of relevant work experience
- Relevant undergraduate degree (or higher) or certification received
- Bilingual language skills
- Connections to the community
Benefits include:
- 100% employer-paid medical insurance with available dental and vision coverage
- Flex spending account
- 401(k) with employer-matched contributions
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- Paid parental leave.