Staff Attorney - Consumer Rights & Economic Justice

Public Counsel•Los Angeles, CA

14d•$82,100 - $99,900

About The Position

Public Counsel is a nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to advancing civil rights and racial and economic justice, as well as to amplifying the power of our clients through comprehensive legal advocacy. Founded on and strengthened by a pro bono legal service model, our staff and volunteers seek justice through direct legal services, promote healthy and resilient communities through education and outreach, and support community-led efforts to transform unjust systems through litigation and policy advocacy in and beyond Los Angeles. Public Counsel organizes its work through seven legal teams: Child, Youth & Family Advocacy, Community Development, Consumer Rights & Economic Justice (CREJ), Homelessness Prevention, Immigrants’ Rights, Gender Justice, and our impact litigation project, Opportunity Under Law. Public Counsel has a full-time staff of approximately 160. We are committed to building a diverse staff and encourage applications from people of color, people with disabilities, and people of all gender identities, gender expressions, and sexualities. We recognize the essential role of staff in achieving our goals, and we have set a long-term intention to provide competitive compensation, benefits, training, mentorship, and overall workplace wellness, making Public Counsel a leader among nonprofit law firms. CREJ's mission is to advance racial and economic justice by representing and advocating for individuals who are low-income and their families to improve their financial futures, safeguard intergenerational wealth, address systemic inequalities, and oppose the institutions and companies that take advantage of the communities we serve. Reporting to the Supervising Attorney, the Staff Attorney will: Provide direct legal services to low-income or elderly homeowners to improve or maintain their ability to preserve their homes Litigate individual cases, and contribute to litigating class cases, as appropriate Become expert in foreclosure defense and loss mitigation, and other areas of law related to income stabilization for low-income homeowners (for example, debt collection and student loans) Conduct community presentations across Los Angeles County on topics such as the foreclosure process, homeowners’ rights, avoiding scams, consumer debt defense, and the bankruptcy process Collaborate with community-based organizations to conduct outreach about legal services and financial relief to homeowners at greatest risk of foreclosure throughout Los Angeles, Kern, and Ventura Counties Staff homeowner preservation monthly clinics Represent CREJ and Public Counsel in external meetings and events, including with funders and the media as appropriate Assist the Directing Attorney, Supervising Attorney, and team with occasional research and writing projects and grant reporting Supervise summer law student interns and other volunteers Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

4–10 years of legal experience
Juris Doctor degree and a member in good standing of the California Bar
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to quickly assimilate complex case facts and good attention to detail
Ability to stay organized and handle a full case load
Demonstrated negotiation skills
Willingness and desire to litigate, with litigation experience strongly preferred
Ability to work both independently and in teams
Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate with other team members
Commitment to economic and racial justice, including participating in and advancing the equity and inclusion work at Public Counsel
High levels of emotional intelligence, maturity and cultural competency, including being curious, self-aware, cognizant of bias, empathetic, patient, and willing to listen, and having a growth and open mindset
Exempt employees are expected to work a minimum of 37.5 hours per week and must work all additional time necessary to accomplish job duties in a timely and professional manner. They must be flexible in work hours so as to provide superior quality and timely service to clients consistent with the position and professional responsibility obligations.

Nice To Haves

Ability to read, write, and speak fluently in Spanish preferred
Consumer law experience, especially related to foreclosure and/or student loans, preferred
Willingness and desire to litigate, with litigation experience strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Provide direct legal services to low-income or elderly homeowners to improve or maintain their ability to preserve their homes
Litigate individual cases, and contribute to litigating class cases, as appropriate
Become expert in foreclosure defense and loss mitigation, and other areas of law related to income stabilization for low-income homeowners (for example, debt collection and student loans)
Conduct community presentations across Los Angeles County on topics such as the foreclosure process, homeowners’ rights, avoiding scams, consumer debt defense, and the bankruptcy process
Collaborate with community-based organizations to conduct outreach about legal services and financial relief to homeowners at greatest risk of foreclosure throughout Los Angeles, Kern, and Ventura Counties
Staff homeowner preservation monthly clinics
Represent CREJ and Public Counsel in external meetings and events, including with funders and the media as appropriate
Assist the Directing Attorney, Supervising Attorney, and team with occasional research and writing projects and grant reporting
Supervise summer law student interns 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
Centrally located headquarters in the heart of Koreatown, a vibrant neighborhood with easy access to public transportation, diverse dining options, and cultural attractions