Staff Attorney - Housing Rights & Civil Justice

Public Counsel; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental & vision coverage

Flexible Spending Account

Employer-paid life insurance & long‑/短

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Parking or transit reimbursement

Language pay

Parental leave

Job summary

Public Counsel in Los Angeles seeks a Staff Attorney to lead affirmative housing litigation and advance tenants’ rights. You will handle an active caseload, perform thorough legal research and drafting, and represent clients in trials, motions, and appellate proceedings.

The role requires 3–7 years of civil litigation experience, a JD, and CA Bar admission. Strong writing and advocacy skills, collaboration, and travel throughout LA County are essential assets.

Qualifications

• 3–7 years of civil litigation experience
• Juris Doctor degree and CA Bar admission in good standing
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and problem‑solving abilities
• Demonstrated interest in civil rights, housing rights, or public interest law
• Experience litigating landlord–tenant or housing related matters is desirable
• Excellent oral advocacy and written communication skills
• Attention to detail and strong organization and time management
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with teams
• Willingness to travel throughout Los Angeles County
• Spanish language ability is desirable
• Exempt employees: 37.5 hours per week plus additional time as needed

Responsibilities

• Carry an individual caseload of affirmative housing lawsuits to vindicate tenants’ rights to safe, habitable housing
• Engage in all civil litigation activities: client interviews, site visits, discovery, motions, trials, appeals
• Conduct legal research and prepare written analyses on issues affecting tenants and vulnerable communities
• Produce near‑final pleadings, motions, briefs, declarations, memoranda, and advocacy materials
• Provide effective oral advocacy before trial, appellate courts, and agencies
• Manage multi‑plaintiff litigation and coordinate with pro bono partners
• Draft memoranda assessing litigation opportunities and strategy
• Engage with internal and external partners on program design and priorities (ULA TA HO)
• Staff quarterly TA HO legal clinics at Public Counsel and community locations
• Provide guidance to LA Housing Department on enforcement of TA HO
• Develop relationships with clients, communities, orgs, and pro bono partners for affirmative litigation
• Maintain digital case files, timekeeping, calendar, and case notes
• Assist with grant reporting on case statistics and outcomes
• Supervise law clerks, interns, volunteers, and pro bono attorneys
• Monitor legal developments affecting tenants and low‑income communities
• Identify and develop new litigation opportunities with leadership and partners
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Civil litigation

Legal research

Written advocacy

Spanish (desirable)

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Member of CA State Bar

Job description

Public Counsel in Los Angeles seeks a Staff Attorney to lead affirmative housing litigation and advance tenants’ rights. You will handle an active caseload, perform thorough legal research and drafting, and represent clients in trials, motions, and appellate proceedings.

The role requires 3–7 years of civil litigation experience, a JD, and CA Bar admission. Strong writing and advocacy skills, collaboration, and travel throughout LA County are essential assets.