Tenant Defense Project - Junior Supervising Attorney

ICLC•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Inner City Law Center (ICLC) is a nonprofit law firm located in the Skid Row neighborhood of Los Angeles, seeking extraordinary individuals to help end homelessness. Founded on the principle of dignity and respect for all, ICLC advocates for low-income tenants, working-poor families, people with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and homeless veterans. The Junior Supervising Attorney will primarily supervise four-to-six Housing Justice Fellows who provide eviction defense representation. This role involves directing, supporting, and overseeing the Fellows' legal casework to ensure effective, efficient, and client-centered representation. The Junior Supervising Attorney and their team will manage cases assigned to a specific courtroom and other courthouses. This position requires close collaboration with the Supervising Attorney for Fellow training and mentorship, and as part of the Tenant Defense Project leadership team, will work with the Legal Director, Program Director, Supervising Attorneys, and Supervising Paralegal to implement systems for high-quality legal representation, case management, and equitable work distribution.

Requirements

Minimum of two years of eviction defense or other significant litigation experience.
Admitted to the California State Bar or in another state and eligible to practice as a Registered Legal Aid Attorney under Rule 9.45 of the California Rules of Court.
Commitment to client-centered advocacy, and ability to build trust and rapport with a wide range of clients and team members in a kind, appropriate, and effective manner.
Ability to assume responsibility quickly and independently manage varied responsibilities.
Strong interpersonal skills and able to cultivate relationships with partner organizations.
Desire to mentor junior staff, work as part of a team, and collaborate with staff and other partners.
Excellent problem solving, time management, and decision-making ability.
Effective communication skills, remaining responsive to team members in a fast-paced environment.
Innovative and solution oriented.
Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
Organized, detail oriented, and able to assume responsibility quickly and independently in a rapidly growing organization.
Mission driven and dedicated to eradicating homelessness and dismantling the systems that contribute to it.
Committed to equity, diversity, and racial justice.
Must have access to reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

Commitment to ICLC’s mission and values.

Responsibilities

Manage assignments and relationships (with judge, clerk, etc.) within the assigned courtroom.
Assign, review, and proactively supervise Fellows’ case work.
Provide in-depth case management, including contemporaneous discussion of case progression and strategy and regular one-on-one meetings that monitor overall caseload.
Participate in weekly case reviews.
Provide regular feedback to Fellows based on in-court observations, review of case work product, and continued assessment of strengths, skills, areas for improvement.
Elevate difficult legal issues in Fellows’ cases to a Supervising Attorney for support and guidance.
Work closely with the Supervising Attorney to ensure that Fellows receive the support and guidance that they need to learn how to effectively handle eviction cases.
Identify professional development opportunities based on Fellows’ interest, skills, and experience level.
Ensure compliance with organization and team policies and procedures, including settlement standards, document management, case notes, case timekeeping, inputting appearances and deadlines per team’s calendaring system, and grant requirements.
Assign case coverage during Fellows’ absences and arrange coverage with other staff as needed.
Co-counsel with (or assign co-counsel for) Fellows’ cases as needed.
Ensure that Fellows (both individually and collectively) are meeting caseload expectations.
Carry a small eviction defense caseload.
Work with Supervising Attorney to determine the proper size of caseload.
Stay informed of applicable laws, rules, procedures, and policies affecting eviction defense litigation.
Keep Fellows informed of the same.
Provide support to Fellows to ensure adherence to organizational and team policies and procedures.
Provide administrative supervision to Fellows, including managing timesheets, time off, reimbursements, performance reviews, and professional development.
Provide guidance and recommendations regarding hiring, promotion, and significant discipline decisions for Fellows according to the organization’s performance management process.
Represent the organization in meetings with funders, media, and partner agencies.
Participate in community outreach events, legal clinics and workshops, and other external partnership building opportunities.
Partner with pro bono counsel to expand the volume of services that ICLC can provide.
Perform other duties as assigned.