Staff Attorney II - Housing Services

Overview Help shape housing in LA where it matters most. As a Staff Attorney, you’ll be on the front lines of keeping communities stable—handling complex eviction cases from start to finish, advising on Fair Housing and tenant protections, and working side‑by‑side with staff, residents, and local partners. This isn’t just courtroom work—you’ll help guide policy, train teams, and bring practical, real‑world legal solutions to one of the largest public housing agencies in the country. If you’re a sharp litigator who knows how to navigate tough situations, communicate clearly, and get things done, this is your chance to make a real impact across Los Angeles. Definition This position helps support HACLA as the largest provider of affordable housing in Southern California. Under supervision, the staff attorney II works closely with HACLA’s Legal Department to provide legal services associated with, but not limited to, full unlawful detainer services, staff training, and legal advice as it pertains to Landlord‑Tenant, Fair Housing, Reasonable Accommodation, and Public Housing laws, both federal and State. Class Characteristics This classification is distinguished from the Staff Attorney I – Housing Services by its assignment in a higher role where duties and responsibilities are more complex and difficult, requiring a higher degree of knowledge, initiative, and independent judgement. The incumbent in this class is expected to perform at a higher level, with responsibilities that include but are not limited to training others regarding relevant provisions of laws, policies, and best practices as they relate to HACLA and its legal services. Responsibilities Manage own caseload including commencing and completing unlawful detainers from receipt of case to resolution, including serving notices to vacate, filing and serving complaints, motions, responsive documents and appearance at trials and/or other hearings. Oversee outside counsel related to any unlawful detainer services they may be providing. Assist the Housing Services Department in initiating, developing, recommending, and implementing policies, procedures, and goals related to the unlawful detainer process, Fair Housing, Reasonable Accommodation, and Public Housing laws. Review sections of the Agency Plan relevant to Public Housing, including the Public Housing Admission & Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP), on an annual basis, and as needed, to provide recommended changes to ensure compliance with evolving legal and regulatory needs and emerging best practices in public housing. Provide training to the Housing Services Department and to other HACLA employees regarding relevant laws, policies, and best practices. Provide guidance documents to Housing Services Department staff to assist them in dealing with law enforcement and other third parties. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with staff, fraud investigators, the Los Angeles Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies. Coordinate unlawful detainer activities with other Legal Department staff and train management staff to ensure prompt and proper unlawful detainer actions; oversee Legal Department support staff. Prepare and present reports on department’s activities as requested. Advise and assist Housing Service staff in matters of Landlord‑Tenant, Fair Housing, Reasonable Accommodation, and Public Housing Law. Advise the Housing Services Department on prudent risk‑management practices to help lower its legal exposure, in the effective and efficient resolution of particularly complex tenant complaints, and in professionally responding to tenant advocates and members of the media. Provide legal opinions on unlawful detainers, fair housing, and public housing issues as required, including but not limited to formal written opinions, under supervisory review. Review all federal, state, and local laws and legal requirements relating to the unlawful detainer process and resident leases and recommend changes to ensure compliance. Provide guidance as to new and emerging legislation that may impact public housing, including but limited to revisions to unlawful detainer law. May assist in other legal matters, including legal research, and other matters affecting the Housing Authority including civil litigation as directed. Perform other related duties as assigned. Minimum Requirements Member in good standing of the California State bar. Three (3) years of litigation experience. Must be licensed to practice law in California. Strong legal research and writing skills. Ability to lead and multi‑task. Manage a large volume of cases. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work with tenant advocacy groups and other third parties. Desired Qualifications Trial experience with unlawful detainer litigation experience is desired. License Required Must hold a valid California Class "C" driver’s license. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles