Staff Attorney - Housing Team

Position Description

CCLS seeks a full-time, experienced Staff Attorney to be a part of its dynamic Housing Team. Our Housing Team oversees and implements the Shriver Right to Counsel and Homelessness Prevention Projects, which act to prevent homelessness. The Staff Attorney will carry a caseload of eviction defense (unlawful detainer) and affirmative litigation cases and provide general legal support to clients across the Central Valley. In addition to carrying their own caseload, the Staff Attorney will participate in community outreach events and legal clinics and workshops in partnership with community-based organizations. They will also work with volunteer law attorneys from private law firms who are providing pro bono representation to clients facing eviction and uninhabitable conditions. Through their work, the Staff Attorney will ensure safe and affordable housing and prevent individuals and families from being evicted into homelessness.

DUTIES

• Work with a fast-paced eviction team, including attorneys and paralegals, to negotiate with opposing counsel, work directly with clients to help them stay housed, prepare discovery requests and responses, draft pleadings, motions and correspondence, negotiate settlements, conduct unlawful detainer bench and jury trials, and pursue appellate remedies;
• Bring strategic, affirmative litigation to prevent homelessness and improve housing conditions;
• Participate in organizing, conducting, and attending community outreach events and legal workshops/clinics across the Central Valley;
• Maintain ongoing relationships with CCLS attorneys, pro bono attorneys and volunteers, support centers, and community partners;
• Attend national or regional trainings as deemed necessary and/or helpful to CCLS, and provide training on lessons learned to other CCLS staff;
• Other duties as assigned.

Ccls Benefits Package Overview

Work/Life Balance

• 7.5 hour work day / 37.5 hour week
• 14.5 Paid Holidays
• Free wellness counseling & resources
• Union protection for applicable positions

Rewards for Dedication

• Annual pay increases
• Overtime for Hourly/Non-exempt staff
• Compensatory Time for Salaried/Exempt staff

More than Base Pay

• School Loan Assistance up to $500/month
• Bilingual Pay up to $90/month
• Home internet reimbursement of $25/month
• CCLS issued laptop & cell phone
• CA State Bar dues paid in full
• Mileage reimbursement

Retirement Contribution

• CCLS contributes to staff 403(b) plans starting at the one-year anniversary:
• Year 1 to 2 – 1% of salary contributed
• Year 2 to 3 – 2% of salary contributed
• Year 3 to 4 – 3% of salary contributed
• Year 4 to 5 – 4% of salary contributed
• Year 5+ - 5% of salary contributed

Group Health Insurance

• Coverage begins 1st of the month following hire date
• CCLS pays 100% for staff health insurance coverage
• CCLS pays 67% of staff dependent health insurance coverage
• Dental PPO & Vision Insurance
• Long term disability & life insurance
• Workers Compensation coverage

Cash Out Options

• Accrued vacation cashed out & added to paycheck upon request
• Overtime Pay Out (Non-Exempt Staff):
• OT paid out within 30 days of accrual, per State standards

Computer Loan Fund

• Up to $1,500 interest free loan to assist staff with personal computer purchase

State Bar Exam Leave & Loan

• Protected leave for CA Bar Exam
• Interest-free loan for Bar Exam & study course fees
• Up to 8 weeks salary advance