A staff attorney position operating within a non-profit law office, providing direct services to the public, with modest supervision of law students or other interns, and working collaboratively with other staff. Tremendous opportunity to learn and grow with an innovative and forward- thinking organization.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities:
Staff Attorneys at HERA carry their own caseloads of both non-litigation and litigation cases. The particular position open at this time requires significant non-litigation advocacy on behalf of homeowners vis-à-vis mortgage servicers and others, administrative advocacy with HUD and other state and federal agencies, and the potential for significant non-litigation consumer legal services and advocacy in other subject areas related to asset preservation. The following are examples of typical duties. Other duties may be assigned by the Executive Director.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Excellent legal research and writing
Excellent communication and presentation skills (written and oral)
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
Excellent organizational and training skills
Ability to understand and work in a nonprofit law office environment
Ability to initiate new projects.
Curiosity and willingness to learn new subject areas.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects.
Education and/or Experience:
Requires a Juris Doctorate and license to practice law, in good standing, in California. At least 3 years of experience as a practicing attorney, preferably including work on loss mitigation advocacy with mortgage servicers and litigation. Experience with diverse people and cultures required. Bilingual ability in Spanish, an Asian/Pacific Islander or other foreign language commonly spoken in California required. Experience or education in estate planning and probate administration a plus.
Responsibilities include:
Engaging in non-litigation advocacy with mortgage servicers and others.
Engaging in litigation in state and federal court, co-counseling with HERA staff and/or external co-counsel.
Modest supervision of law students or other interns involved in case work.
Developing and maintaining a strong base of legal knowledge on loss mitigation, and other subject areas on which HERA focuses its litigation and non-litigation work.
Participating in workshops and trainings related to loss mitigation, credit, debt collection, and related law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Excellent legal research and writing
Excellent communication and presentation skills (written and oral)
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
Excellent organizational and training skills
Ability to understand and work in a nonprofit law office environment
Ability to initiate new projects.
Curiosity and willingness to learn new subject areas.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects.
Education and/or Experience:
Requires a Juris Doctorate and license to practice law, in good standing, in California. At least 3 years of experience as a practicing attorney, preferably including work on loss mitigation advocacy with mortgage servicers and litigation. Experience with diverse people and cultures required. Bilingual ability in Spanish, an Asian/Pacific Islander or other foreign language commonly spoken in California required. Experience or education in estate planning and probate administration a plus.
Please email a resume, a list of three references with addresses and phone numbers, plus a legal writing sample to Maeve Elise Brown, Executive Director, Housing and Economic rights Advocates at [email protected]. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. If you have not heard back from us within one week, please call Ms. Brown at 510 271-8443 ext. 307 to verify receipt of your application.