Staff Attorney I - Housing Services

Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles seeks a Staff Attorney to handle a busy caseload including unlawful detainer matters, provide day‑to‑day legal guidance to Housing Services, and ensure compliance with Fair Housing and tenant protection laws for public housing programs. You will work with HACLA staff, investigators, and partners to resolve cases, support residents, and develop policies.

This hands‑on role builds litigation skills and offers meaningful public service impact in Los

Qualifications

• Member in good standing of the California State Bar.
• Licensed to practice law in California.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Ability to lead and multitask.
• Manage a large volume of cases.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work with tenant advocacy groups and other third parties.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationship with HACLA staff, the Los Angeles Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies.
• Coordinates unlawful detainer activities with other Legal Department staff members, including fraud investigators, and trains management staff to ensure prompt and proper unlawful detainer actions.
• Prepares and presents reports on Department activities as requested.
• Advises and assists Housing Service Department staff in matters of Landlord Tenant, Fair Housing, Reasonable Accommodation and Public Housing Law.
• Provides legal opinions on unlawful detainer, fair housing, and public housing issues as required.
• 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.
• Assists in other legal matters, including legal research, and other matters affecting the Housing Authority including civil litigation as directed.
• Supervises legal support staff, including paralegals and legal assistants, as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Leadership

Multitasking

Communication

Tenant advocacy collaboration

Education

California Bar admission

Licensed to practice law in California

Job description

Special Note The posted salary is an estimate of the potential annual pay. Final offer will be dependent on qualifications and experience.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Scale: Candidates can expect to be hired within the 8 step salary range of $121,596.80 to $149,510.40

Jump into meaningful legal work that keeps LA public housing communities thriving. As a Staff Attorney, you’ll handle a steady caseload of eviction matters, support housing teams with day‑to‑day legal guidance, and help make sure policies and practices stay on point with Fair Housing and tenant protection laws.

You’ll work closely with HACLA staff, investigators, and local partners to manage cases, solve problems in real time, and support residents and operations alike. It’s a hands‑on role where you’ll build your litigation skills, sharpen your judgment, and make a direct impact across the City of LA.

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, manage a busy caseload, and grow your career in public service law, this is your calling.

Definition

Under supervision, the staff attorney works closely with HACLA’s Legal Department to provide legal services to the Housing Services Department and/or others, on matters 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.

• 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.

• Develops and maintains positive working relationship with HACLA staff, the Los Angeles Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies.

• Coordinates unlawful detainer activities with other Legal Department staff members, including fraud investigators, and trains management staff to ensure prompt and proper unlawful detainer actions.

• Prepares and presents reports on Department activities as requested.

• Advises and assists Housing Service Department staff in matters of Landlord Tenant, Fair Housing, Reasonable Accommodation and Public Housing Law.

• Provides legal opinions on unlawful detainer, fair housing, and public housing issues as required.

• 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.

• Assists in other legal matters, including legal research, and other matters affecting the Housing Authority including civil litigation as directed.

• Supervises legal support staff, including paralegals and legal assistants, as needed.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Member in good standing of the California State bar. 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.

Desired Qualifications

Trial experience, preferably in the areas of landlord/tenant (unlawful detainer) litigation, is desired.

License Required

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.

All job offers are contingent upon providing a successful completion of a pre‑employment evaluation, which includes: a post‑offer medical examination (includes drug and alcohol screening), criminal records check, employment history and education verification, and documentation of the right to work in the United States.

Candidates will start at step one of an eight step salary range unless there are special exceptions in accordance with agency Personnel Rules.

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Pursuant to the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles’ Conflict of Interest Policy, new and existing employees are required to refrain from participating in activities, employment or enterprises, which are in conflict with public interest and/or with his or her duties as an employee of the Authority.