Disaster Resilience Program Fellow

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

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The NLSLA Disaster Assistance Project (DAP) team assists individuals who are experiencing legal issues after a disaster, both manmade and natural. The team is actively responding to the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires. The DAP Disaster Resilience Program Fellow will work with the DAP team assisting disaster survivors impacted by the 2025 Wildfires, including but not limited to housing and habitability issues, consumer claims and all other legal issues that will arise.

The Fellowship is funded by Equal Justice Works (EJW) through their Disaster Resilience Program. The Disaster Resilience Program is a national, professional Fellowship program for attorneys designed to mobilize legal aid in disaster prone areas, including immigration and humanitarian crises, to ensure vital legal services are accessible, comprehensive, and responsive to the unique needs of individuals, families, and communities to rebuild more resilient communities.

EJW is the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law. They facilitate Fellowships at legal services organizations to help fulfill our nation’s promise of equal justice for all.

As a Disaster Resilience Fellow, you will be part of a prestigious group of attorneys hosted by legal services organizations across the United States. During the Fellowship term, the Fellow will work collaboratively to:
Provide legal advice and assistance, including direct representation to underserved survivors of the 2025 LA Wildfires
Identify areas for policy change and reform
Engage in outreach and education activities, such as Know-Your-Rights presentations on disaster related legal issues, disaster resilience, disaster preparedness and heat related events
Participate in the state-wide Disaster Legal Assistance Collaborative
Work with community partners to provide services to disaster impacted community members and increase disaster preparedness and resilience
In this role, you would report to the Pro Bono Manager. This position is exempt and temporary.

Requirements

• A JD from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the State Bar of California at the time of hire, or eligibility to obtain licensure promptly after hire by sitting for the next available California Bar Examination.
• Desire to pursue access to justice for highly impacted disaster survivors.
• Excellent interpersonal including being attentive to cultural needs and differences and the ability to interact with clients in a trauma-informed, empathetic manner.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to remain flexible in the face of changing and evolving legal needs.
• An ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary setting to facilitate a coordinated community response and provide holistic services to clients.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, business communication platforms, and web-based case management 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

• At least two (2) years of legal experience, including active practice of law, preferred.
• Passion for supporting people from different lived experiences and a commitment to social justice, with a desire to increase access to justice for disaster survivors and achieve results.
• Experience working individuals who have experienced trauma.
• Prior disaster legal experience or experience practicing multiple areas of public interest law.
• Experience delivering training and presentations.
• 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

• Assist disaster survivors holistically with a range of legal issues including FEMA, housing, public benefits, employment, estate planning, education, and other disaster related issues.
• Collaborate with DAP Team members and Pro Bono to staff disaster legal clinics and outreach events.
• Assist the DAP Team in developing and updating readable consumer flyers and other materials for disaster survivors.
• Represent NLSLA at community events and meetings related to disaster preparedness and network with government, NGO, faith-based, and social services organizations that participate in disaster response.

Benefits

• 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

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree