Nevada Legal Services has two openings for attorneys in the VISTA Tenant Engagement and Community Development Project (TECDev).
Equal Justice Works and AmeriCorps have partnered together to provide Volunteers In Service to America (VISTA) legal fellows who will work to assist and create opportunities for residents of residents of Project-Based Section 8 U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) properties. Legal Fellows of the VISTA Tenant Engagement and Community Development Project (TECDev) will help enhance and build the capacity at each host site organization to assist, inform, educate, and engage tenants of RAD properties regarding their rights, responsibilities, and options. VISTA Legal Fellows also will engage tenants in anti-poverty and quality of life programming that aids in the preservation and efficacy of RAD properties.
Nevada Legal Services is an organization that provides legal assistance to low-income Nevadans across the state. Nevada Legal Services provides assistance through direct representation of individuals in the areas of housing, consumer, family, public benefits, and health. Nevada Legal Services also provides a wide array of community education and clinics throughout the State of Nevada. NLS also has a number of special projects concentrating on specific types of law: the Indian Law Project serving the 23 reservations in Nevada; the Consumer Action Advocacy Project representing clients with consumer issues or foreclosure issues; the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic representing clients with issues before the IRS or US Tax Court; and the Senior Law Project serving those 60 years of age or older.
Both TECDev fellowships are located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Based on Equal Justice Works/AmeriCorps guidelines, the term of service will begin on September 30, 2015, and be for two years, pending renewal after the first year.
The AmeriCorps EOLC Fellow will:
The Legal Fellows will work with tenants in RAD properties and community based
non-profit organizations that improve services related to living conditions in and around
the RAD community.
Fellows will:
• Work to inform tenants in RAD developments of their legal rights throughout the redevelopment process.
• Provide legal information and advocacy on behalf of residents and the community
• regarding environmental justice and zoning matters.
• Advocate for increased resources for community improvements, such as daycare centers,
• playgrounds, community centers, recreational facilities, and commercial district
• improvements.
• Advocate for increased resources for community improvements related to public safety.
• Advocate for increased resources for community improvements related to quality of
• schools and government services.
• Promote increased integration between residents of the RAD building and the general
• community, including participation and leadership in local groups and associations.
• Create tenant groups or associations, community groups and/or neighborhood
• Associations.
• Provide “Know Your Rights and Responsibilities” workshops and other capacity building
• legal services.
• Assist residents with the transition from public housing to private management
• companies, which could include limited representation in administrative matters.
• Provide mediation/conflict resolution services between and among residents, landlords,
• and others regarding living conditions and community improvement efforts.
• Address conditions requiring attention from government agencies, landlords, or
• others in the community.
Position requires completion of NSOPR, States(s), and FBI Fingerprint, criminal background checks, as well as compliance with all CNCS Federal Regulations throughout the fellowship program.
The Fellow must be admitted to practice law in Nevada or be eligible for Rule 72 reciprocity admission by being barred in another state and have graduated from an Equal Justice Works member law school. The Fellow will need excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as interpersonal, organizational, and negotiation skills and the ability to work as a team member. Knowledge of low-income issues, or experience with low-income or economically disadvantaged individuals and families is a plus.
I. Kristine Bergstrom
Directing Attorney, Las Vegas Office
Nevada Legal Services
530 S. 6th Street
Las Vegas NV 89101
[email protected]