Staff Attorney Housing (Hybrid)

Community Legal; Compton (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Paid holidays + PTO

Health benefits

401(k) match

Student loan reimbursement

Bilingual bonus pay

Job summary

CLA SoCal's Housing Staff Attorney in Santa Ana will represent low-income tenants facing eviction in Orange County. You will manage a diverse caseload, advise clients, conduct investigations, and participate in outreach with community groups.

You will supervise law students and paralegals, engage in policy advocacy, and collaborate across departments to improve systemic housing issues. JD and CA Bar eligibility are required, with bilingual ability preferred.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and an active member in good standing of the California Bar or eligible to register as a legal services provider.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation with the ability to travel regularly throughout the service area to support client representation and community engagement.
• Familiarity with landlord-tenant law and litigation experience including discovery, depositions, and trial representation preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, advocacy, problem-solving, and computer skills.
• Commitment to CLA SoCal’s values and mission; bilingual ability preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload representing tenants in unlawful detainer matters, including negotiations, settlements, and trials.
• Advise tenants on landlord/tenant issues and conduct know-your-rights presentations.
• Engage in community outreach and policy advocacy with partner organizations.
• Supervise paralegals, law students, interns, and volunteers; coordinate wrap-around services.
• Maintain accurate case documentation and timekeeping in LegalServer.

Skills

Legal writing

Litigation

Client advocacy

Communication skills

Case management

Trauma-informed communication

Bilingual ability

Education

Juris Doctor

Tools

LegalServer

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you passionate about housing justice and ready to use your legal expertise to create meaningful change?

The Housing Staff Attorney will work as a member of the housing team to serve and represent low-income tenants who are facing eviction in Orange County. This full-time exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney and is based in the Santa Ana office.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain a caseload representing tenants in unlawful detainer matters, including handling negotiations, settlements, and trials.
• Advise tenants on landlord/tenant issues.
• Actively participate in community groups and coalitions on issues impacting service-eligible populations.
• Engage in community outreach, including conducting know your rights presentations.
• Maintain accurate case documentation and timekeeping in LegalServer.
• Interview clients and conduct case investigations, witness interviews, and legal research.
• Draft legal documents and support negotiations and settlement discussions.
• Work with community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials.
• Engage in policy advocacy, coordinate, and collaborate in policy campaigns with partner community-based organizations to improve systemic issues.
• Direct and supervise the legal work of paralegal and law students, interns, and volunteers.
• Identify wrap-around legal services and work collaboratively with CLA SoCal’s various legal units.
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

Requirements

Education:

• Juris Doctor degree and an active member in good standing of the California Bar or member to another state bar and ability to register as a legal services provider.

Qualifications:

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation with the ability to travel regularly throughout the service area to support client representation and community engagement. – Required
• Familiarity with landlord tenant law - Preferred.
• Litigation experience including propounding and responding to discovery, taking and defending depositions, and representing clients in trial - Preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, advocacy, problem-solving, and computer skills.
• Strong work ethic with the ability to manage multiple priorities, stay organized, and meet deadlines independently.
• Ability to identify legal issues and provide timely counsel and guidance.
• Strong client service, interpersonal, and trauma-informed communication skills, including working with diverse and indigent populations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal document preparation software.
• Reliable, detail-oriented team player with a collaborative mindset and commitment to continuous learning.
• Commitment to CLA SoCal’s values and mission - Required
• Bilingual proficiency – Preferred

Holistic Benefits:

• May work as little as 35-hour workweek.
• Hybrid Schedule
• 16 paid holidays + PTO (including wellness days) starting Day 1
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Student loan reimbursement program
• Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff

About CLA SoCal:

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a welcoming and hopeful non‑profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low‑income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We provide equal employment opportunities. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities. All individuals who are seeking a welcoming environment who celebrate and value the unique characteristics of every member of the team who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.