Housing Staff Attorney

Management Information Exchange; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group Health Insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan contributions (

School Loan Assistance up to $500/mo

Bilingual Pay up to $90/mo

Mileage reimbursement

CCLS issued laptop & cell phone

CA State Bar dues paid in full

Home internet reimbursement of $25/mo

Annual pay increases

Overtime/Compensatory Time

Job summary

Central California Legal Services (Main Branch) in Central California seeks an attorney to join a fast-paced eviction team, working with attorneys and paralegals to negotiate with opposing counsel and help clients stay housed.

The role involves drafting pleadings, motions and discovery responses, pursuing appellate remedies, and training staff on key lessons learned, with opportunities for professional growth and statewide impact.

Qualifications

• Active member in good standing of the State Bar of California.
• All experience levels are welcome to apply.
• Collaborative, team-oriented individual able to work with colleagues and external partners.
• Ability to assume responsibility quickly, comfortable under pressure, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Have an organized, detailed approach.
• Able to multitask and meet short-notice deadlines.
• Ability to work with a wide range of clients in a kind, appropriate, client-centered manner.
• Bilingual ability strongly preferred in English and at least one other language commonly spoken in the Central Valley.
• Commitment to CCLS’ mission and core values.
• Ability to travel as needed, proof of liability and property insurance on vehicle used.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate with opposing counsel and draft pleadings and motions.
• Represent clients to help them stay housed and pursue appellate remedies.
• Prepare discovery requests and responses and settlements.
• Attend bench and jury trials and provide strategic litigation guidance.
• Coordinate with attorneys, paralegals, and community partners.
• Provide training and share lessons learned with staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Multitasking

Team collaboration

Client-centered approach

Bilingual ability

Education

Licensed attorney in California

Job description

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.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Active member in good standing of the State Bar of California;
• All experience levels are welcome to apply;
• Collaborative, team-oriented individual able to work with colleagues and external partners;
• Ability to assume responsibility quickly, comfortable under pressure, and able to work independently and as part of a team;
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills;
• Have an organized, detailed approach;
• Able to use good judgment, multitask, and meet short-notice deadlines;
• Ability to work with a wide range of clients in a kind, appropriate, client-centered manner;
• Bilingual ability strongly preferred in English and at least one other language commonly spoken in the Central Valley (preferred);
• Commitment to CCLS’ mission and core values;
• Ability to travel as needed, proof of liability and property insurance on vehicle used.

CCLS BENEFITS PACKAGE OVERVIEW

Work/Life Balance

• 7.5 hour work day / 37.5 hour week
• 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
• Long term disability & life insurance
• Workers Compensation coverage

Cash Out Options

• Accrued vacation cashed out & added to paycheck upon request
• 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

Department

Litigation/Advocacy

Submission Deadline

12/16/26

Job Location

Central California Legal Services (Main Branch)