The Public Interest Law Project has a rare opening for an experienced litigator and advocate at an absolutely critical time for lower income people and communities. Our work helps keep people in affordable homes and protects their entitlement to public benefits. PILP is a non-profit law firm that provides assistance, expertise and training to local programs in impact litigation, policy and legislative advocacy. We work primarily in the areas of housing and community development and public benefits, but also undertake work in other areas of economic and civil rights.
PILP was established in 1996 to provide California public interest law programs with the capacity to continue affirmative litigation and other major advocacy as the federal government reduced resources for legal services and imposed restrictions on their activities. See our website for our most recent litigation and advocacy successes. Come help us defend and advance justice for lower income families and communities!
Job Summary. We seek an exceptional and experienced attorney with substantial litigation and advocacy experience and preferably with expertise in one of our substantive areas of focus. Responsibilities will focus on co-counseling, technical assistance, training and policy advocacy for local legal services attorneys throughout the state. The work will involve collaboration with other PILP attorneys, local legal services attorneys, and other state support centers. The attorney may be assigned to work in more than one substantive area. Duties will include:
- Co-counseling in impact litigation in state and federal courts with local program attorneys, other state support centers, and our private bar pro bono partners
- Advice and research assistance to local programs
- Training local program attorneys in relevant areas of law and litigation
- Review and development of local, state and federal housing laws and policies and engaging in advocacy in these areas in conjunction with local programs and other support centers locally and in Sacramento
- Participation and coordination of statewide legal working groups and task forces, and working with state and regional advocacy groups
- Travel to other parts of California for litigation, advocacy, task forces and training
- Assist in preparing and updating our resource and training manuals and materials as appropriate
- Supervision of law clerks and legal interns as needed
- Other duties as assigned
- A minimum of 9 years of experience in significant affirmative litigation in state and federal courts
- Strong preference for experience and expertise in one of substantive areas we cover or other area of economic justice or civil rights
- Passion for fighting for systemic change and advancing social and economic justice for low income communities and persons of color
- Understanding of and sensitivity to race-based and economic inequities
- Excellent analytical, research and writing, and oral advocacy skills
- Excellent public speaking skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, local program attorneys and clients
- Ability to work under the sometimes demanding deadlines of litigation and other advocacy.
- Membership in the California State Bar, or if licensed in another state, willing to sit for the next available Bar Exam
Please send a cover letter, resume, legal writing sample (e.g., trial or appellate brief), and list of three professional references to [email protected], attention: Linda Hill. The position will remain open until filled.
Electronic applications are preferred but, if necessary, you may mail materials to the attention of Linda Hill. No telephone calls please.