Supervising Attorney - Consumer Rights & Economic Justice

Public Counsel•Los Angeles, CA

3d•$97,280 - $112,380•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. CREJ provides direct services, engages in impact litigation, and advocates for protective laws and policies. This role will supervise the provision of bankruptcy services through a self-help desk and debtor assistance project, manage grants, pursue new grant opportunities, and directly supervise attorney/paralegal staff. The position also involves liaising with court staff, building a pro bono network, mentoring staff, participating in policy advocacy, and contributing to organizational administration and DEI initiatives.

Requirements

5-10 years of experience in legal advocacy
Juris Doctor degree and a member in good standing of the California Bar
Ability to staff the court clinic with Staff Attorney and Paralegal two days per week
Extensive experience post-law school as a bankruptcy and consumer attorney
Demonstrated interest in public interest work
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well as part of a team
Experience working with low-income, diverse ethnic groups, and non-English speaking clients
Commitment to gender/racial/social justice and the mission of Public Counsel
Ability and willingness to utilize AI to streamline systems
Ability to work cooperatively across teams, levels, and functions within the organization and to navigate difficult conversations and address conflict effectively
Excellent judgment and discretion as well as excellent interpersonal, management, and organizational skills that gain and sustain respect internally and with external partners
Inspiring, decisive, collaborative, transparent, and flexible leadership style
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

Nice To Haves

Experience in grant writing, grant management and grant reporting desirable
Spanish-language fluency strongly preferred
Experience in policy advocacy or a willingness to engage in policy advocacy work at the local, state and national levels
Experience in developing pro bono networks desirable
Demonstrated experience with and commitment to trauma-informed legal advocacy

Responsibilities

Supervise the provision of bankruptcy services through the bankruptcy self-help desk and debtor assistance project
Manage existing grants and ensure deliverables are accurately accounted for and reported
Pursue grant opportunities and assist in grant writing in relation to bankruptcy and debt collection work
Directly supervise attorney/paralegal staff members in the delivery of bankruptcy and consumer debt services
Liaise with court staff at all levels to ensure that clinic operations run smoothly
Build up a network of pro bono contacts and provide training where necessary to enable pro bono volunteers to effectively serve our clients
Mentor attorneys and staff in the delivery of debt collection services to our clients
Participate in policy and regulatory advocacy initiatives related to debt collection and bankruptcy at the local, state and national levels
Work with the Directing Attorney in matters of administration, policy, strategy and otherwise as needed to ensure transparent and effective management of the team delivering consumer services
Represent CREJ and Public Counsel in external meetings and events
Contribute to the team and organization as a whole by taking part in organization wide activities, including integrating diversity, equity and inclusion policies into our work and workplace
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