Staff Attorney- Disaster Assistance Project

Change Lives and Transform Communities – Join Our Disaster Assistance Project Team! 

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) provides free assistance to over 160,000 individuals and families each year through innovative projects that expand access to justice. We see the law as a powerful tool for social change and we’re looking for passionate individuals to help us fight for justice.

We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we believe that a strong community is built through inclusivity. NLSLA is proud to foster an environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and abilities, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

About the Role

The NLSLA Disaster Assistance Project (DAP) team assists individuals and families experiencing legal issues after a disaster. The team is actively responding to the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires. The DAP Attorney will assist disaster survivors impacted by the 2025 Wildfires, with a focus on housing issues.  

The DAP Attorney will represent tenants in matters relating to housing, including habitability issues, housing discrimination, reasonable accommodations, retaliation and harassment, wrongfully withheld security deposits, violations of local rent control and just cause ordinances, terminations from subsidized housing programs, and eviction prevention and defense.  The DAP Attorney will also work on other disaster legal issues including FEMA appeals, public benefits, health, education, and consumer issues.  The DAP Attorney will staff volunteer disaster legal clinics, office hours and provide oversight and guidance to pro bono attorneys.

In this role, you would report to the Pro Bono Manager of the DAP Team.  This position is exempt and temporary.

What You’ll Do

• Provide direct services to disaster survivors with housing and other disaster related legal issues.
• Manage a varied caseload, ensuring that each client receives personalized, high quality legal assistance.
• Represent tenants in administrative hearings with local housing authorities.
• Defend tenants in unlawful detainer proceedings.
• Pursue affirmative lawsuits in various housing matters.
• Engage in outreach to disaster survivors through know your rights presentations, townhalls, and other events.
• Support and mentor pro bono volunteers at legal clinics and in disaster related cases.
• Develop readable consumer flyers and other materials for disaster survivors.
• Travel to NLSLA program offices, courthouses, and other locations throughout Los Angeles County may be required.

What You’ll Need

• A JD from an accredited law school and an active California State Bar license.
• Familiarity with California housing law.
• Experience working in a pro bono and/or legal aid setting.
• Knowledge of MS Office, Windows, business communication platforms, and web-based case management platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including being attentive to cultural needs and differences.
• Passion for NLSLA mission and demonstrated commitment to advocating for the legal rights of low-income individuals.
• Passion, empathy, and compassion for supporting people from different lived experiences.

Bonus Points If You

• Have worked in a legal aid law firm for 1-3 years.
• Have litigation experience.
• Have passion for supporting people from different lived experiences.
• Experience working with and mentoring pro bono volunteers.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us
At NLSLA, we believe in supporting our staff as they grow in their careers and live balanced lives. We offer:

• Competitive Salary: $85,000–$93,000, based on experience.
• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, 2 to 5 weeks of vacation depending on seniority, and 12 days of sick leave. Exempt employees are eligible for compensatory time in accordance with company policy.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with a variety of plan options.
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan and options for voluntary contributions.
• Monthly bilingual supplement for qualified employees.
• A Culture of Inclusion: We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive.
• Perks: Technology reimbursement to help you stay connected and equipped to do your best work.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

NLSLA is committed to?provide?a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of each individual and is free from all forms of employment discrimination based on?each and every?characteristic protected under the law and beyond.?? 

Decisions related to hiring, compensating, training, evaluating performance, promoting, or?terminating?are made fairly, and are based on job-related qualities and abilities. We?provide?equal employment opportunities?to?all qualified candidates and employees. We examine our unconscious biases and take responsibility for always striving to create an inclusive environment that makes every employee and candidate feel welcome.? 

We further expect every member of the NLSLA community to do their part to cultivate and?maintain?an environment where everyone?has the opportunity to?feel?included and?is?afforded?the respect and dignity they deserve.? 

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Please note that, in limited circumstances,?certain convictions may be considered incompatible with the responsibilities of specific roles, particularly where the safety and well-being of vulnerable client populations are a concern.? 

NLSLA’s Commitments

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging within our organization and the communities we serve. We achieve this through:

• Continuous Learning: Cultivating cultural competency and humility among staff through ongoing training, open dialogue, and self-reflection.
• Equitable Practices: Regularly reviewing and revising policies, procedures, and decision-making processes to ensure fairness and access for all.
• Strategic Resource Allocation: Directing resources towards initiatives that empower communities. 
• Meaningful Community Engagement: Partnering with the communities we serve to co-create solutions and foster trust.
• A Respectful Workplace: Providing a work environment free from discrimination and where every individual is valued, heard, and respected for their unique contributions.