Litigation - Staff Attorney

ICLC•Los Angeles, CA

14h•Onsite

About The Position

Inner City Law Center (ICLC) is a nonprofit law firm located in the Skid Row neighborhood of Los Angeles, dedicated to ending homelessness. Founded on the principle of treating everyone with dignity and respect, ICLC advocates for low-income tenants, working-poor families, individuals experiencing homelessness, those with HIV/AIDS, and homeless veterans. This full-time Staff Attorney position is part of the Slum Housing Litigation Team, focusing on habitability litigation for low-income tenants. The team utilizes outreach, education, tenant organizing, and litigation to address health hazards in housing. The goal is to improve living conditions, preserve affordable housing, prevent retaliation, and recover damages for tenants living in unsafe and unhealthy apartments. The role involves direct client interaction, legal research, drafting legal documents, and supporting all aspects of litigation.

Requirements

At least two years of litigation experience.
Commitment to ICLC’s mission and values.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to assume responsibility quickly and ability to work closely with a team including the Director of Litigation, staff attorneys, paralegals, organizers and administrative personnel.
Ability to use good judgment, multi-task, and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated commitment to working with low-income communities.
Membership in the California Bar or another State Bar is required.
Must use and conform to in-house systems and practices and compliance with deadlines.
Must have a reliable form of transportation.
Received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Responsibilities

Meet with ICLC clients and provide client-centered legal advice related to homelessness and housing stability.
Carry a caseload, which may include litigation, trial work, appellate work, and administrative hearings.
Develop case strategies and work plans for assigned matters.
Conduct legal research and, as appropriate draft legal documents (including pleadings, trial memoranda, appellate briefs, and materials for administrative hearings), and community education materials.
Inform clients and our client communities about their legal rights and ICLC services.
Maintain accurate, timely and complete case files and submit detailed monthly quantitative and qualitative reports as requested.
Work with the appropriate government agencies to resolve client problems.
Guide and train other program staff, including fellows, paralegals, less experienced attorneys, and law clerks, as well as external entities and pro bono partners.
Participate in legal clinics and community education efforts.
Actively participate in community groups and coalitions on issues impacting ICLC clients and client communities, such as access to the courts, access to public benefits, the availability of affordable housing, and systemic racism.
Help develop and maintain relationships with funders, government agencies, and community-based organizations.
Partner with pro bono counsel to expand the volume of services that ICLC can provide.
Assist with projects and drafting policies and procedures related to legal issues.
Maintain timesheets as directed.
Adhere to all ethical responsibilities, including the Rules of Professional Conduct, which establish standards of legal ethics and professional responsibility for lawyers in California.
Perform other duties as assigned.