Job Description
JOB TITLE: HOME Staff Attorney
JOB CLASSIFICATION: 1.00 FTE Full Time Exempt
SUPERVISOR: HOME Supervising Attorney
Program(s): HOME and Housing Policy
ABOUT LEGAL AID OF SONOMA COUNTY: Legal Aid of Sonoma County (LASC) has been providing legal services to low-income Sonoma County residents since 1958. Our mission is to promote social justice and advance human rights. Our primary legal services include Domestic Violence, Elder Law, Housing, Veterans’ Benefits, we also provide a range of legal services including family law and guardianship to clients referred by the County of Sonoma Human Services Department. LASC collaborates with a network of community partners including immigrant service centers, homeless service providers, local government, and senior centers.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The HOME team provides vital legal support to low-income tenants facing eviction, unsafe living conditions, and challenges with rental housing or mobile home parks. By helping people stay housed and protecting Section 8 benefits, the team works to prevent homelessness and keep families in their communities. The Housing Policy team, informed by real stories and data from the HOME team and working in partnership with coalitions like the Sonoma County Tenants Union, pushes for stronger local tenant protections that reflect the needs of our community.
SUMMARY: The Housing Attorney will provide legal representation to low-income tenants who face eviction or have other rental housing issues. Legal services may include counsel and advice, preparation of pleadings, negotiations with property owners, and in court representation. HOME services include assistance with eviction defense, mobile home park issues, Housing Choice (Section 8) voucher issues, and habitability.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Client Services
- Conduct comprehensive legal needs assessment, provide information, and brief advice.
- Draft pleadings and other legal documents.
- Negotiate settlements with landlords and property owners.
- Provide representation at unlawful detainer proceedings and at Housing Choice hearings.
- Other tasks as assigned.
General Operations
- Work closely with Legal Aid staff and other affiliate organizations to coordinate activities and services.
- Assist potential clients and workshop participants with eligibility screening, and the accurate completion of intake forms and assessment forms.
- Participate in ongoing program operation and implementation, including grant reporting and compliance.
- This is not a remote position; HOME services are provided in person at our Santa Rosa offices or at designated outreach locations during normal business hours.
- Other tasks as assigned.
Skills and Experience Required:
- Current Active member of the California Bar in good standing
- At least 2 years demonstrated successful experience in providing direct client legal services.
- Litigation or administrative hearing experience.
- Excellent communication skills, ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of community stakeholders, public speaking, flexibility, and teamwork required.
- Ability to relate to diverse client population, including low-income, disabled and senior clients.
- Working knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office, legal forms software programs, and database programs.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively with great attention to detail, including timely case management and capturing of data for reports to funders.
- Ability to maintain up-to-date case notes and statistical records on services provided in the LASC client database.
- A firm commitment to accurate and timely data collection and time reporting (on bi-weekly time sheets and in the client database) is required.
- The position requires travel, access to reliable transportation is required.
Skills/Experience Desired:
- Previous housing law experience.
- A demonstrated commitment to public interest law.
- Bilingual in Spanish.
BENEFITS: Legal Aid of Sonoma County provides a dynamic and supportive work environment, and an excellent benefit package after the completion of an initial 90-day introductory period. Benefits include eligibility for company paid health insurance for the employee or cash-in-lieu, company paid dental insurance, eligibility to participate in a 401K plan after one year of continuous employment, and very generous paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave policies. Note the benefits package is for the employee only, LASC does not provide health or dental coverage for spouses or dependents.
Note that all employment at LASC is “at will”. LASC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
TO APPLY: Please submit a Cover Letter and Resume in response to this post. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Note the posted salary range is firm and DOE.