Attorney- Van Nuys- Eviction Diversion Pilot Project

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County • Los Angeles, CA

4d • $85,000 - $93,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) is seeking an experienced and mission-driven Staff Attorney/Mediator for the Van Nuys - Eviction Diversion Pilot Program (VN-EDPP). This role will serve as a neutral, third-party mediator, working alongside the Supervising Attorney and VN-EDPP paralegals to ensure the successful implementation and operation of the program. The VN-EDPP is a court-based initiative at the Van Nuys Los Angeles Superior Court aimed at reducing eviction filings and preventing homelessness through mediation and rental assistance coordination. The position reports to the Supervising Attorney and is designated as exempt and temporary.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree and active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California, or membership in another state bar with the ability to register as a legal services provider.
• Minimum of three years of legal practice experience, including housing law, landlord-tenant disputes, or related areas.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage challenging litigants and navigate high-pressure situations with professionalism and composure.
• Proven success working in a fast-paced, results-driven environment while balancing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and quick to learn, with strong initiative and problem-solving skills.
• Skilled at building collaborative relationships with government agencies, courts, community organizations, and internal stakeholders to advance client and program goals.
• Proactive and solutions-oriented, with the ability to anticipate challenges, think strategically, and respond effectively.
• Experience providing trauma-informed and trauma-responsive services to litigants with sensitivity and empathy.
• Strong commitment to social justice, equity, and expanding access to legal services for underserved communities.
• Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, active insurance coverage, or other means of traveling regularly throughout the service area to support litigants and community partners.
• Working knowledge of web-based case management systems, business communication platforms, and other legal service technologies.
• Recognized as a collaborative and dependable team member who contributes meaningfully to organizational goals, strengthens partnerships, and helps drive positive outcomes for clients and communities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), Clio (or other Judicial Council form preparation software), and related technology platforms.
• Passion for NLSLA mission and demonstrated commitment to advocating for the legal rights of low-income individuals.
• Passion, empathy, and compassion for supporting people from different lived experiences.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of mediation practices and court procedures strongly preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish, due to the high number of Spanish-speaking residents in the community, or in any of the other Los Angeles threshold languages, which is highly valued in our community outreach efforts.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality alternative dispute resolutions services, including evaluating and educating litigants, preparing necessary documents (e.g., settlement agreements), and making referrals to additional services and resources.
• Maintain detailed and accurate notes in the VN-EDPP platform (Forward) and accurate timekeeping in NLSLA’s case management system (Legal Server).
• Timely entry of required data into the VN-EDPP platform.
• Effectively and efficiently communicate with VN-EDPP Litigants.
• In coordination with program paralegal staff, assist litigants in applying for available services and, when eligible, rental arrears assistance.
• Observe confidentiality and neutrality of VN-EDPP Litigants.
• Work with community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials as needed.
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective of inclusion and diversity.
• Follow all organizational and grant compliance policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are reasonably related to the position and generally consistent with the level and classification of the position’s core responsibilities.
• Employees are required to work on-site a minimum of two (2) days per week, with the remaining time eligible for remote work as business needs allow. Specific in-office days may be set by the department or manager to support team collaboration and organizational priorities.
• Any out-of-state work is prohibited unless prior approval is obtained from HR.
• Travel to NLSLA program offices, courthouses, and other locations throughout Los Angeles County may be required.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary: $85,000–$93,000, based on experience.
• Generous Time Off: 18 paid holidays, 2 to 5 weeks of vacation depending on seniority, and 12 days of sick leave.
• Exempt employees are eligible for compensatory time in accordance with company policy.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with a variety of plan options.
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan and options for voluntary contributions.
• Monthly bilingual supplement for qualified employees.
• Loan Repayment Assistance Program, which provides law school student loan repayment assistance for eligible individuals.
• Technology reimbursement to help you stay connected and equipped to do your best work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree