Managing Attorney (Eviction Prevention Legal Services) – Eviction Defense Center

Are you interested in joining an organization dedicated to increasing access to justice while addressing systemic inequities among the most vulnerable members of the Greater Los Angeles area? If yes, LAFLA is the place for you!

The Organization: LAFLA is a nonprofit law firm that protects and advances the rights of the most underserved—leveling the playing field and ensuring that everyone can have access to the justice system. Celebrating 95 years of service to Los Angeles communities, LAFLA is the first and most experienced legal aid organization in Greater Los Angeles. LAFLA has more than 200 employees, including more than 100 attorneys, who provide free services and resources on a broad range of civil legal issues that impact healthy, safety, and self-sufficiency.

Every year, LAFLA helps more than 100,000 people find their voice, regain control of their lives, and build a brighter future. Our unique combination of neighborhood offices, self-help centers at courthouses, and domestic violence clinics puts LAFLA on the frontlines in communities at the forefront of change. LAFLA also engages in impact litigation to help enact long-term systemic change—actively collaborating with a network of public and private partners to expand access to justice, identify needs in the communities we serve, and change laws and policies that adversely affect the underserved. For more information, please visit www.lafla.org.

Eviction Defense Center: The Eviction Defense Center, created in 1983, is the first large-scale eviction defense program. The EDC team fights to preserve, defend, and protect tenancies, and advocates for a Right to Counsel for all tenants. This Managing Attorney will lead a team working on eviction prevention.

Stay Housed LA: LAFLA is the lead contractor of Stay Housed LA, which is implementing Renters’ Right to Counsel and is comprised of dozens of legal services organizations and community-based organizations.

LAFLA is currently accepting applications for the position of Managing Attorney.

• Active Supervise a team of Housing Intake Paralegals who provide limited scope services to low-income tenants experiencing housing issues as part of Stay Housed LA.

• Oversee Intake Paralegal casework to ensure efficient, client-centered, and trauma-informed services. Responsibilities include reviewing and closing case files for substantive quality and administrative compliance; ongoing mentorship and training in limited scope service delivery in housing matters; and monitoring caseloads, housing intake queues, and staff schedules to ensure that clients receive timely and responsive services.

• Manage a supervising attorney who also oversees a team of Intake Paralegals.

• Manage and mentor staff to ensure meaningful professional development and compliance with LAFLA’s and grantors’ priorities, policies, and procedures. Responsibilities include hiring and onboarding of staff; performing regular 1:1 check-ins; completing annual evaluations and professional development plans; and reviewing staff timekeeping and leave requests.

• Collaborate within the Eviction Defense Workgroup to coordinate the delivery of Know Your Rights workshops and clinics;

• Work together with LAFLA housing advocates and Stay Housed LA partners to identify housing trends affecting low-income tenants and, in partnership with the Supervising Attorney, develop and implement intake and advocacy strategies to address community needs.

• Cultivate effective relationships with a team that includes a Director of Housing Justice, a Managing Attorney and Supervising Attorneys of eviction defense services, attorneys, paralegals, support staff, volunteers, and students.

• Oversee grant and reporting requirements.

• Other duties as assigned.

• Active membership in the State Bar of California.

• Minimum of five years of experience in the practice of law (preferably in housing law), including broad experience in lawyering skills, including client interviewing, legal research, writing, drafting, negotiation, and trial work.

• Minimum of one year of supervisory, management, or leadership experience.

• Extremely strong interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to maintain an empathetic and resourceful attitude with clients in crisis and/or experiencing high-stress levels.

• Ability to meet deadlines and perform multiple tasks while exercising good judgment in a fast-paced work environment.

• Motivated to work cooperatively with staff and partners to achieve LAFLA’s mission.

• Willingness to work beyond a minimum 7.0-hour workday, including evening and weekend meetings and events, and workweeks over 35 hours when obligations so necessitate.

• Ability to travel to LAFLA’s five community offices.