Attorney/Counsel, Policy and Advocacy

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Job location
1200 U St NW
Washington, DC 20009
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless
Street address: 
1200 U St NW Fl 3
City: 
Washington
State: 
District of Columbia
ZIP: 
20009
Job type: 
Policy Development/Advocacy
Position Description: 

The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless – a D.C.-based, locally-focused legal services and advocacy organization – seeks to hire an attorney who shares our vision of a just and inclusive community for all residents of D.C., where housing is a human right and where every individual and family has access to the resources they need to thrive.

This position is an opportunity for an attorney who is committed to making client-centered systemic reform in the District of Columbia that promotes housing and racial justice. The Attorney will primarily work on advocating for policy, budget, and programmatic solutions within the District government that will lead to positive change for people experiencing homelessness, in need of deeply affordable housing, and/or utilizing housing subsidies in D.C. In addition, they will: represent clients and maintain a small caseload, including periodically fielding emergency calls and cases; support our client education and engagement efforts; collaborate with other legal services colleagues, advocates, and community members to address systemic concerns; and explore opportunities for impact litigation as necessary to achieve change.

Working Conditions: The Legal Clinic is currently operating on a hybrid work schedule. While there is flexibility to work remotely, some work may be in-person, as needed. The Legal Clinic’s office in northwest D.C. requires proof of Covid vaccination.

Salary: Salary range begins at $70,000 for attorneys with two years of practice and increases based on experience in accordance with the Legal Clinic’s salary scale. The Legal Clinic offers excellent benefits. Applicants may be eligible for loan repayment assistance through the D.C. Bar Foundation.

Requirements: 

We are seeking an attorney to join the Legal Clinic who has:
• a J.D. degree and is a member of the D.C. Bar, or immediately eligible to waive in
• a minimum of 2 years of attorney experience
• experience working on issues related to housing, homelessness, civil rights, or poverty
• a demonstrated commitment to social and racial justice
• experience representing clients in a public interest setting
• a commitment to client-centered representation, values community leadership, and recognizes the importance of working with community members, organizers, and community-based organizations in developing advocacy positions and strategies
• strong written and verbal communication skills
• an ability to work successfully, both independently and collaboratively
• experience working with diverse communities
• is comfortable working in a small, non-profit environment
• is comfortable working at an organization that is unafraid to take strong positions if justice demands

Our ideal candidate will have:
• experience with policy or legislative campaigns; and
• knowledge of D.C. government and resources.

To apply: 

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume via e-mail to [email protected] and note "Attorney/Counsel, Policy and Advocacy" in the subject line. We are looking for thoughtful, personalized cover letters that demonstrate qualifications and interest in working to build a more just community. Interested persons are encouraged to apply immediately. The first round of interviews will be chosen from applications received by January 3, 2023.

Notes: 
About Us: The Legal Clinic’s mission is to use the law to make justice a reality for our neighbors who struggle with homelessness and poverty. Combining community lawyering and advocacy to achieve our clients’ goals, our staff and network of volunteer attorneys provide low barrier legal services, helping our clients access housing, shelter, and other vital supports and services. Rooted in the experience of this client work, we blend system reform efforts, policy advocacy, client engagement and community education to advocate for long term improvements in programs that serve those who are homeless and low-income. The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless values an inclusive workplace. Candidates who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, people with disabilities, and/or members of other underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Salary range: 
$70,000-$105,000
Submission deadline: 
Tuesday, January 3, 2023