WHO WE ARE: Founded in 1966, CRLA's mission is to fight for justice and individual rights alongside the most exploited communities of our society. Through a network of regional offices and cross-cutting programs, CRLA provides legal services to tens of thousands of low-income people annually. Our work impacts farmworkers, indigenous populations, individuals with disabilities, immigrant populations, LGBTQ+ communities, women, children, and low-income families in rural areas.
Position: Staff Attorney
Experience: 6+ months
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Location: Any CRLA Office (Hybrid)
Other: FLSA Exempt, Union Position, Full Time (37.5hrs per week)
Reporting to the Rural Fair Housing and Foreclosure Prevention Program Legal Director, the Staff Attorney provides comprehensive legal services to eligible clients in CRLA priority areas in accordance with CRLA program guidelines, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services, and the Code of Professional Responsibility. Funding for this position is through June 2025, with the expectation that continued funding will be awarded.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Provide legal services (advice, negotiation, litigation & administrative advocacy) to low-income clients in Homeownership Retention matters, including but not limited to:
- Intake and process individual foreclosure cases with a particular emphasis on homeowners in socially disadvantaged communities.
- Assist homeowners with mortgage loan assumptions.
- File administrative complaints.
- Litigate individual civil cases in State and Federal Court where warranted for wrongful foreclosure, predatory lending, or other housing law violations.
- Represent clients in Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings to prevent foreclosure.
* Review/supervise the work product of Community Workers and Support Staff relating to all clients being advised or represented in housing matters.
* Develop leadership in working with the community, clients, and other advocacy groups related to housing impact issues.
* Participate in training programs, case reviews, staff meetings, and other CRLA activities.
* Prepare and provide community education regarding housing legal rights.
* Collaborate with members of the private bar and other community benefit organizations as necessary.
* Maintain contemporaneous time records in the case management system
* Maintain a great working relationship with all staff
* Other duties as assigned
Required Education and Experience:
* Admitted to practice law in the State of CA or willing to take the next CA Bar Exam
* Demonstrated commitment to working with low-income clients
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Able to meet deadlines and perform multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail
* Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, and/or other support applications
* Excellent people skills and the ability to maintain positive relations with a diverse population
* Ability to sympathize or empathize with the client community
Preferred Education and Experience:
* A highly qualified and desirable candidate would also have the following:
* Admitted to practice law in one or more federal district courts in California or able to be admitted
* Experience working with low-income families and communities
* Experience in a non-profit legal services environment
* An understanding of the dynamics of the legal, social and personal issues raised by housing discrimination
* Experience in supervision or training of teams
* Bilingual (English & Spanish) Fluency
This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
We offer a diverse, family-friendly environment and compensation based on competitive public interest salaries; generous benefits package which includes 100% employer-covered medical, dental, vision, life, and short & long-term disability insurance for employees and up to 50% for dependents coverage; and 401K retirement plan with CRLA contribution effective immediately. Some professional dues are paid by CRLA (Bar Fees) and, if qualified, up to $6,000 law school Loan Reimbursement Assistance Program (LRAP). Generous paid leave policy which includes; 15 days of sick leave, 15 holidays each year, and vacation (accrue 15 days for the first year of service and 20 days after one year of service at CRLA). This is a union position (Legal Service Workers for Rural California "LSWRC" ), and the salary ranges from (Staff Attorney: $65,500-$90,000) depending on each year of admission to practice law in any U.S. jurisdiction and any relevant law-related work experience prior to being admitted to practice law.
CRLA requires that all employees are Fully Vaccinated, defined as a CDC-approved COVID vaccination and one booster shot. This offer is contingent on meeting this requirement. The complete vaccination policy, including the process for reasonable allowable accommodations, is available for your review upon request.