Housing Attorney

Bread For The City • Washington, DC

290d • $77,000 - $79,500

About The Position

Bread for the City seeks a staff attorney for its housing practice, which consists of nine attorneys, one associate loaned from an area law firm, and two paralegals. We prioritize cases that involve the prevention of eviction and the preservation of safe and affordable housing. The majority of our cases provide representation in eviction matters in the D.C. Superior Court Landlord-Tenant Division. Occasionally, attorneys take on other issues before D.C.'s Housing Conditions Court and the Superior Court Civil Division. We also assist tenants in administrative proceedings, representing tenants and participants in subsidy programs or at the District's Office of Administrative Hearings. These cases involve the termination of subsidies, improper rent calculation, and illegal rent increases. The housing practice participates in several joint projects with five other legal services providers in the District. The projects include staffing the Landlord-Tenant Legal Assistance Network, a hotline for tenants seeking assistance; the Housing Right to Counsel Project, a partnership with several area law firms to provide representation to subsidized housing tenants facing eviction due to alleged lease violation(s); and a collaborative effort to provide same-day legal help, including temporary representation, to tenants in Landlord-Tenant Court (“Attorney of the Day”).

Requirements

• Be admitted to the D.C. Bar or eligible for admission under specific D.C. Court of Appeals rules.
• Demonstrated commitment to social, economic, and racial justice.
• Strong organizational, research, and oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to proceed effectively in court with little time for preparation.
• High degree of flexibility and a sense of humor.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff and volunteers.
• Familiarity with Google Organization & Productivity tools.
• Prior experience in a legal services or public interest setting preferred.
• Litigation experience and knowledge of DC housing law is a plus.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills preferred.
• Must be fully vaccinated and boosted against Covid-19.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in a legal services or public interest setting.
• Litigation experience and knowledge of DC housing law.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide representation in eviction matters in the D.C. Superior Court Landlord-Tenant Division.
• Assist tenants in administrative proceedings regarding subsidy programs.
• Participate in joint projects with other legal services providers.
• Staff the Landlord-Tenant Legal Assistance Network hotline.
• Provide representation to subsidized housing tenants facing eviction.
• Offer same-day legal help to tenants in Landlord-Tenant Court.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package including health insurance.
• Loan Repayment Assistance Program offering up to $12,000 per year.
• Additional salary for bilingual skills and years of experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
• Education Level: No Education Listed