Temporary Housing Staff Attorney

Summary

Join BayLegal as a Temporary Staff Attorney to represent low-income tenants in eviction proceedings and enforce fair housing/anti-discrimination laws. This position is based in Oakland, California and involves traveling throughout Alameda County. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Housing Law Supervising Attorney and be part of BayLegal's larger regional practice.

Requirements

• A commitment to fostering inclusivity and equity, as well as humility when working with clients and colleagues at the intersection of multiple identities, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, immigration status, religion, physical and mental disability, and/or limited English proficiency
• Must have received or be willing to receive and maintain up to date COVID-19 vaccination (including boosters) by date of hire to be considered. Proof of vaccination required
• Passion for and desire to work with low-income individuals
• Member of CA Bar in good standing or admitted to practice in another state and eligible to practice in California for 3 years under the California State Bar rules for the Registered Legal Services Attorney Program
• Skilled in maintaining organization of time, managing diverse activities, and meeting critical deadlines with minimal supervision
• Excellent writing, editing, and proof-reading skills, with ability to be detail oriented
• Experience and commitment to working collaboratively with a dynamic team
• Curious and self-directed with an ability to anticipate what needs to be done
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects while maintaining a firm grasp of individual project details
• Sense of humor and proactive problem-solver
• Commitment to complying with all California Rules of Professional Conduct, BayLegal funding requirements, and firm standards, policies, and practices
• Current proficiency, and ability to improve proficiency, in technological equipment, hardware, and software necessary to perform duties of the position

Responsibilities

• Learn and advocate for the diverse legal needs of communities affected by systemic and structural inequities in Alameda County and the broader Bay Area to reduce homelessness, enhance stability, and address social injustice
• Provide a full range of legal assistance from advice/counsel to full-scope legal representation to low-income tenants in unlawful detainer proceedings, including propounding and responding to discovery, conducting depositions, pre/post-trial motions, trials, and appeals
• Represent tenants in administrative proceedings before the Housing Authority and other agencies
• Advocate for tenants on issues of fair housing, substandard conditions, and VAWA
• Identify systemic problems that affect our clients’ housing rights and address these challenges through affirmative litigation and policy work
• Provide workshops and technical assistance to community partners and client community on housing law, tenants' rights, and a broad range of civil legal issues
• Engage in collaboration with a range of public and private community partners, including governmental agencies, courts, and community-based organizations, to ensure integrative services and address systemic barriers facing BayLegal's client community
• Engage in other tasks and projects that promote the interest of furthering BayLegal’s mission and operations as a non-profit

Preferred Qualifications

Proficiency with housing law and eviction defense preferred

Benefits

• Compensation based on competitive public interest salaries along with medical and dental benefits, 15 paid holidays, and sick leave
• The estimated annual salary range is $77,000 - $100,000 (placement in range determined primarily by years of related experience)