Staff Attorney - Los Angeles, CA

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 73,100 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer paid medical, dental, and vision

Short and long-term disability insurance

Life insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution

20 days of personal time (PTO)

Eleven paid holidays each year

Job summary

The National Legal Aid & Defender Association is seeking a Staff Attorney to lead litigation efforts in civil rights cases including education and employment rights. This role involves conducting depositions, research, and overseeing support staff, all while ensuring effective legal representation.

The ideal candidate will possess a Juris Doctor, be admitted to the bar, preferably fluent in Spanish, and have relevant legal litigation experience. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $73,100 to $112,000 annually and an extensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor or equivalent degree required with active bar membership.
• Experience in federal and state court litigation, especially in civil rights or immigration.
• Fluency in written and spoken Spanish is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead counsel or co-counsel in litigation involving education, employment, or voting rights.
• Conduct depositions, legal research, and draft pleadings.
• Supervise volunteer and professional staff assigned to litigation programs.

Skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Communication skills

Fluency in Spanish

Education

Juris Doctor or equivalent degree

Undergraduate or graduate instruction in public policy or social sciences

Job description

Position Description

MALDEF is the nation’s leading non‑profit Latino civil rights law firm. Founded in 1968, MALDEF works to safeguard the civil rights of Latinos and to increase the community’s ability to participate fully in American society. We currently seek a Staff Attorney to serve as lead counsel or co‑counsel in state and federal court litigation in the areas of education, employment, immigrants’ rights and/or voting rights.

Job Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Regional Counsel and in consultation with co‑counsel inside and outside of MALDEF, the candidate devises and executes strategic plans for complex litigation through the following activities: conducts depositions and discovery, negotiates and monitors settlement agreements, and pursues attorney fee awards in civil rights litigation; conducts legal research and drafts pleadings, briefs, and administrative complaints; devises investigation plans and investigates potential legal claims; prepares memoranda on budget and legal theory for approval of litigation by MALDEF management; responds to media inquiries, makes public presentations, and prepares community education materials regarding Latino rights; participates in the development of long‑term strategic goals and objectives for the assigned program areas and also for the regional office; supervises volunteer and professional support staff assigned to assist litigation programs.

Qualifications and Experience

Juris Doctor or equivalent degree required; active bar membership in one or more states required. Eligibility for active bar membership in California required. Undergraduate or graduate instruction in public policy and/or social sciences is desirable. Federal and state court litigation experience, particularly in the area of civil rights, immigration, or employment is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellent research, writing, and communication skills required. The successful candidate will have knowledge and awareness of local, regional, and national issues affecting Latino community. Fluency in written and spoken Spanish is preferred. A willingness and ability to engage in local and national travel as needed is required.

Compensation and Benefits

$73,100 to $112,000+ per year. Fixed salary scale commensurate with years of legal experience.

MALDEF’s generous benefits package includes:

• Employer paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and their eligible dependents
• Employer paid short‑term and long‑term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• 403(b) retirement plan with direct employer contribution and match
• 20 days of personal time (PTO)
• Eleven paid holidays each year