Staff Attorney II - Housing Services

Staff AttorneyHelp 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.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 the Housing Services Department and/or others, with 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.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.Manages 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.Oversees outside counsel related to any unlawful detainer services they may be providing.Assists 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.Reviews 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.Provides training to the Housing Services Department and to other HACLA employees regarding relevant laws, policies, and best practices.Provides guidance documents to Housing Services Department staff to assist them in dealing with law enforcement and other third parties.Develops and maintains positive working relationship with staff, fraud investigators, the Los Angeles Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies.Coordinates unlawful detainer activities with other Legal Department staff and trains management staff to ensure prompt and proper unlawful detainer actions; oversees Legal Department support staff.Prepares and presents reports on department's activities as requested.Advises and assists Housing Service staff in matters of Landlord Tenant, Fair Housing, Reasonable Accommodation and Public Housing Law.Advises 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.Provides legal opinions on unlawful detainers, fair housing, and public housing issues as required, including but not limited to formal written opinions, under supervisory review.Reviews all federal, state, and local laws and legal requirements relating to the unlawful detainer process and resident leases and recommends changes to ensure compliance.Provides 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.Performs other related duties as assigned.Member in good standing of the California State bar. Three (3) years of litigation experience. Must be licensed to practice law in California. Candidate must also possess: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.Trial experience with unlawful detainer litigation experience is desired.Must be a member of the California Bar in good standing. Must also possess a valid California Class "C" Driver's License at time of appointment.