Director of Litigation

ICLC•Los Angeles, CA

12d

About The Position

Inner City Law Center (ICLC), a nonprofit poverty-law firm in Los Angeles’s Skid Row neighborhood, seeks an experienced trial lawyer to lead its Litigation Team. ICLC works to advance housing justice and end homelessness, representing low-income tenants, working-poor families, people experiencing homelessness, people living with HIV/AIDS, people with disabilities, and homeless veterans. The Litigation Team combines litigation with tenant organizing and education to improve living conditions, preserve affordable housing, and secure compensation for affected families. The team currently represents 365 tenants in 18 properties across Los Angeles and consists of eight attorneys, four paralegals, three organizers, and one administrative clerk. The Director will set litigation strategy for complex cases, supervise and develop the team, collaborate with pro bono counsel, and contribute to ICLC’s management and affirmative litigation efforts. The position also involves representing ICLC with community organizations and government agencies. This is a full-time, exempt position with a nine-month probationary period. Salary is $130,000–$160,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and undergo TB testing upon hire. A reliable form of transportation is required.

Requirements

Commitment to ICLC’s mission and values, including demonstrated commitment to working with low-income communities.
Membership in the California State Bar or another state bar; California State Bar membership is listed as a hiring criterion.
At least 10 years of litigation experience, including jury trials, and a track record with complex cases.
Proven ability to supervise, train, and lead a litigation team.
Strong communication, negotiation, and settlement skills, including excellent oral and written communication.
Ability to manage competing deadlines, multitask, use good judgment, and meet deadlines.
Creative, solution-oriented approach to litigation.
Ability to build trust with low-income tenants and a wide range of clients.
Ability to assume responsibility quickly and work closely with attorneys, paralegals, organizers, and administrative personnel.
Ability to use and conform to in-house systems and practices and comply with deadlines.
Reliable form of transportation.
Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and undergo TB testing upon hire.

Responsibilities

Set and manage litigation strategy for complex, high-value cases from case development through trial, mediation, and settlement.
Supervise attorneys, paralegals, and support staff, and work with the Director of Tenant Organizing, who supervises organizers.
Build the team’s capacity through supervision, training, and mentoring.
Partner with pro bono co-counsel at leading Los Angeles law firms and nonprofits.
Serve on ICLC’s management team and work with other project directors to pursue affirmative litigation opportunities.
Represent ICLC with community organizations and government agencies.