Mission
The King County Bar Association promotes and supports a diverse and collegial membership; works with the judiciary to achieve excellence, equity, and accessibility in the administration of justice; and benefits the community through public service and engagement in public policy.
The Housing Justice Project (HJP) is a homelessness prevention program providing accessible legal services to low-income, residential tenants facing eviction primarily in King and Spokane County. Legal assistance is provided through counsel and advice, negotiated settlements, limited representation at Show Cause hearings, and/or referrals depending on tenants’ needs and financial eligibility.
Position Mission
HJP is seeking an attorney to provide representation to tenants facing eviction throughout Washington State. In 2021, Washington became the first state to guarantee counsel to low-income tenants facing eviction. The attorney will represent tenants at eviction hearings and trials, assist accessing rental assistance, and work on revisions and appeals. The attorney will handle special assignments such as lock outs and other issues as needed. The attorney will have opportunities to contribute to policy initiatives as they arise. The position is partially remote but will require in-person court appearances in Spokane County and planned staff meetings.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :
Advocacy:
Represent tenants in eviction hearings and trials;
Direct client representation with appeals, revisions, and post-judgment relief as necessary;
Handle emergency applications for stays and other motions;
Perform trainings and community outreach;
Assist with connecting tenants to legal representation at the daily court docket;
Keep up with legislative and regulatory changes.
Administrative and Supervisory:
Review and oversee data input in Legal Server data management system;
Prepare reports, data, articles, and communications both for internal and community distribution;
Assist and participate in the development of staff attorney and training materials and trainings on housing advocacy;
Arrange and participate in weekly case review;
Desired Qualifications:
Licensed to practice law and in good standing in Washington state by September of 2023;
Experience with civil procedure, appellate practice, courtroom protocol, and rules of evidence;
Experience in housing law and landlord-tenant law;
Familiarity with affordable housing programs;
Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to track and consistently meet deadlines;
Demonstrated ability to train, supervise, and mentor volunteer attorneys and maintain quality program control;
Demonstrated commitment to understanding and addressing issues facing low-income and vulnerable people;
Strong communication skills and ability to motivate and lead;
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people;
Demonstrated understanding of the impact of race, bias, discrimination, and differential treatment of communities disproportionately composed of Black, Indigenous, and people of color, individuals who identify as LGBTQ or other sexual minorities, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, limited English speaking persons, and others who have been historically marginalized in rental housing markets and in the law and justice system
Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines;
Ability to analyze information quickly and work well in a fast-paced environment;
Creative problem solving;
Proficiency with technology including MS Word, case management systems, and Outlook
Demonstrated ability to project patience and compassion under pressure
This is an exempt full-time position requiring occasional local travel within the Spokane area.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, but priority will be given to those who apply by 5:00 p.m. May 5, 2023 via email. Make “HJP Staff Attorney” your subject line and send a letter of interest that addresses any lived or professional experience that would contribute to our advocacy, resume, and three references to:[email protected].