POSITION: Staff Attorney, Housing
LOCATION: Santa Barbara, CA (Hybrid)
HOURS: Full-time (37.5 hrs) Exempt
OVERVIEW: The Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County seeks an enthusiastic and compassionate individual who will thrive serving low-income clients in a non-profit law firm. The Housing Staff Attorney will work as part of a team of two other housing attorneys to advise and represent low-income and senior tenants regarding eviction defense (unlawful detainers), landlord-tenant matters, fair housing, and more. This is a full-time exempt position.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following range of duties: conducting client interviews, providing advice and counsel, representing clients at all stages of unlawful detainer litigation - including but limited to law and motion, settlement conference, trials, post-trial relief; updating and inputting information into case management system; working collaboratively with support staff; providing education and outreach efforts directed at community members and service providers; grant reporting, evaluation, and monitoring; and other duties as assigned.
LOCATION: Santa Barbara, CA (serving southern Santa Barbara County)
WORK CONDITIONS: Hybrid work schedule with a combination of work from home, the courthouse, and the office, with a minimum of one day per week in the office. The position requires working with individuals during moments of stress and instability.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Active license to practice in the State of California (and in good standing).
• Juris Doctor degree or the equivalent combination of work and educational experience.
• Strong personal work ethic, initiative, and ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet critical deadlines.
• Ability to spot legal issues and provide real-time counsel & advice.
• Strong interpersonal skill, client communication skills, and comfort working with indigent clients.
• Articulate, creative, and passionate advocate with excellent written and oral communication skills, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and document preparation software. • Great organizational skills with attention to detail. • Proven interest in social justice issues.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy or other ability to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Language: Bilingual in English and Spanish helpful but not required; Experience working with a civil legal aid organization or non-profit organization; Experience in unlawful detainers or other landlord-tenant matters; Experience working with support staff; Experience working with low-income communities.
SALARY & BENEFITS: Salary range of $80,000 to $104,967 depending on experience. Generous personal leave and benefits package, including paid vacation, sick leave, all court holidays, health/dental/vision insurance (100% of premiums covered for employee), life insurance with Employee Assistance Program, and option to participate in 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution to a SEP-IRA after one year. Employer covers State Bar fees and one local bar association membership.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications will be accepted immediately with priority given to those who apply by June 19, 2024. Please submit 1) resume and 2) a list of references to personnel@lafsbc.org.
ABOUT US: The Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County is a non-profit law firm that provides free legal assistance to Santa Barbara County residents. Our mission is to provide high quality civil legal services to low-income and other vulnerable residents in order to ensure equal access to justice. We change lives through direct representation, legal advice and information, and community education. Our vision is a community where low-income people and other vulnerable residents are empowered to thrive and where all residents have meaningful access to the civil justice system. Our offices are located in Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Santa Barbara. www.lafsbc.org
The Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, religion, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, marital or registered domestic partner status, or any other legally protected status. We strongly encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities to apply. The Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County is an equal opportunity employer.
