Staff Attorney - Consumer Rights' & Economic Justice

Public Counsel•Los Angeles, CA

just now•$78,000 - $82,100•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. This role involves providing direct legal services, impact litigation, and policy advocacy. The Staff Attorney will report to the Supervising Attorney and will focus on issues such as foreclosure defense, loss mitigation, income stabilization, debt collection, and student loan matters. The position also includes community outreach, conducting presentations, staffing clinics, and potentially supporting class action litigation. The role may also involve representing the organization in external meetings and with the media, assisting with research and writing, grant reporting, and supervising law clerks and volunteers.

Requirements

1-4 years of legal experience
Juris Doctor degree and a member in good standing of the California State Bar
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
Demonstrated negotiation skills
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
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.
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 desirable
Experience in consumer law, particularly foreclosure defense, debt collection, and/or student loan matters, is highly 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
Handle individual cases and support class action litigation as appropriate
Represent CREJ and Public Counsel in external meetings and events, including in front of funders, and speaking on behalf of the project to the media where 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