Fellow - Consumer Rights' & Economic Justice

Public Counsel•Los Angeles, CA

just now•Hybrid

About The Position

Public Counsel is a nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to advancing civil rights and racial and economic justice. The Consumer Rights & Economic Justice (CREJ) team specifically works to improve financial futures for low-income individuals and families, safeguard intergenerational wealth, address systemic inequalities, and oppose predatory institutions. The CREJ team provides direct services, engages in impact litigation, and advocates for protective laws and policies. This role is a fellowship position focused on consumer and economic justice issues, including access to justice clinics and a national program focused on the legal and financial impacts of cancer. The Fellow will report to the Supervising Attorney and will be responsible for providing direct legal services to low-income clients, developing expertise in areas such as foreclosure defense, loss mitigation, income stabilization, debt collection, and student loan matters. The Fellow will also conduct community presentations, collaborate with community-based organizations for outreach, staff homeowner preservation clinics, contribute to litigation, assist with research and writing projects, and supervise summer law clerks and volunteers. This is a fixed-duration position funded for 18 months, with continued employment contingent on additional funding.

Requirements

0–1 years of legal experience
Juris Doctor degree and a member in good standing of the California State Bar; applicants taking the July 2026 California Bar Exam will also be considered
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Excellent legal research skills
Ability to quickly assimilate complex case facts and good attention to detail
Ability to stay organized and handle a full caseload
Willingness and desire to litigate
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
High levels of emotional intelligence, maturity, and cultural competency, including curiosity, self-awareness, awareness of bias, empathy, patience, listening skills, and a growth mindset
Strong team player who is willing to pivot and pitch in as needed
Commitment to economic and racial justice, including participation in and advancement of equity and inclusion work at Public Counsel

Nice To Haves

Experience in consumer law, particularly foreclosure defense, debt collection, and/or student loan matters, is highly desirable
Ability to read, write, and speak fluently in Spanish desirable

Responsibilities

Provide direct legal services to low-income clients, including seniors
Develop expertise in foreclosure defense, loss mitigation, and other legal issues related to income stabilization for low-income homeowners, including debt collection and student loan matters
Conduct community presentations on topics including the foreclosure process, homeowners’ rights, scam avoidance, consumer debt defense, and bankruptcy
Collaborate with community-based organizations to conduct outreach on legal services and financial relief for homeowners at greatest risk of foreclosure throughout Los Angeles, Kern, and Ventura Counties
Staff monthly homeowner preservation clinics
Contribute to litigation, as appropriate
Assist the Directing Attorney, Supervising Attorney, and team with occasional research and writing projects, as well as grant reporting
Supervise summer law clerks and other volunteers
Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

Medical coverage with an option for 100% employer-paid employee and dependent child(ren)’s premiums; buy up options are available for other HMO and PPO coverage
Dental and vision coverage
Option to enroll in a Flexible Spending Account
Employer-paid life insurance and disability plans
Generous paid time off (per year): 15 accrued vacation days that increase to 20 days after 3 years of employment, 12 accrued sick days that may be used for physical and mental health needs, 2 personal observance days, 11 paid holidays plus 2 one-week office closures (during the summer and winter)
Up to 60 hours of compensatory time per calendar year (for exempt staff only)
403(b) retirement plan with an elective employee contribution, and after a year of employment a discretionary employer contribution
Free on-site parking or public transportation reimbursement
$45 per pay period for employees who use non-English language skills to perform work duties
Up to 6 months of parental leave
Organizational and team wellness activities to build team cohesion and camaraderie
Professional development support and opportunities
Annual payment of dues for required licenses or certifications (state bar dues for attorneys) and for a mutually agreed-upon professional organization