Neighborhood Legal Services Program (NLSP) is a private, non-profit law firm that provides vigorous, high quality civil legal services to low-income residents of the District of Columbia. NLSP has a long tradition of fighting for justice for the poor, combining direct representation to protect essential rights and opportunities for low-income individuals and families with efforts to achieve broad-based change. Its three offices are located in the poorest sections of the District, to maximize its visibility, accessibility and connections to the communities it serves.
NLSP’s housing practice consists of defending tenants in eviction cases, affirmative litigation to preserve affordable housing and protect tenant rights, representation before administrative agencies, and advice and counsel on a variety of housing related matters. The staff attorney will maintain an active caseload of housing cases as well as participate in community legal education and other projects as assigned.
EXPERIENCE
NLSP seeks a staff attorney with at least two years of practice experience. The candidate should have litigation experience and familiarity with housing law. Law school clinical experience may count. The candidate also should be passionate about empowering low-income communities and have demonstrated independent problem solving.
This is a grant-funded position and is contingent on receipt of grant funds.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
· Provide high quality civil legal services to clients in the area of housing law, primarily in the context of defending tenants in eviction cases.
· Attend and present at “know your rights” events to educate low-income DC residents on housing matters.
· Actively participate as a member of the NLSP team, including but not limited to participation in cross-office activities and advocacy.
· Adhere to program and case handling policies, procedures and standards of practice, as well as the highest professional and ethical standards.
· Other duties as assigned.
· J.D. degree from an accredited law school, member in good standing of the DC Bar, or member of another State Bar and eligible for admission to the D.C. Bar.
· At least two-years of experience.
· Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income persons and low-income communities.
· Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to, the concept of client-centered lawyering.
· Creative problem-solving skills and team-oriented approach.
· Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
· Detail-oriented.
· Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with teams.
· Prior civil legal aid experience highly desirable.
· Fluency in Spanish, or another language frequently spoken by low-income DC residents, desirable.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
• Salary Commensurate w/ Experience
• Generous Benefits Package
• Paid Vacation/Personal Leave
Submit letter of interest, resume, contact information for three professional references and one writing samples to: [email protected]
The position will remain open until filled
NLSP HIRING POLICY
Neighborhood Legal Services Program (“NLSP”) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated diversity in our staff. It is the policy of NLSP that no employee or applicant for employment or services will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, family responsibilities or family status, veteran’s status, or any other basis prohibited by law, including the D.C. Human Rights Act and Language Access Act.
NLSP thrives on our diversity and we strongly encourage women, persons of color, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, persons with disabilities, returning citizens, and persons from other underrepresented groups to apply.