Job Title: Staff Attorney, Housing Justice Project (HJP)
Job Type: Full-time salaried position
Salary & Benefits: Salary DOE, medical/dental/vision available
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Start Date: July 1, 2021
Mission Statement
Tacomaprobono (TPB) is a nonprofit organization providing clients with legal representation, self-help materials, and paralegal support to combat systemic inequality and racism by ensuring meaningful access to justice for low-income individuals who have civil legal needs in Pierce County, Washington.
Nature of Work and Position Duties
The Housing Justice Project (HJP) is a specific program under TPB. Eviction and other housing-related issues are among the most-often identified civil legal needs in Pierce County. The need for eviction-related legal services will increase significantly upon expiration of the eviction moratoria implemented to protect tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Washington state recently signed into law Senate Bill 5160 and became the first state to implement a right to counsel for indigent tenants in unlawful detainer proceedings. In response to this new law, TPB is increasing its number of HJP staff attorneys.
The primary responsibility of the HJP Staff Attorney will be to represent low-income tenants in unlawful detainer cases. More specifically, the HJP Staff Attorney will be expected to work with TPB staff and volunteers to provide professional, client-centered representation to low-income individuals facing eviction-related issues in Pierce County Superior Court.
Essential HJP Staff Attorney Functions
• Prepare and manage a high-volume caseload requiring frequent negotiations with opposing parties and court appearances.
• Develop and maintain relationships with opposing counsel, the court, and the community.
• Participate in the training and support of HJP volunteer attorneys.
• Participate in specialized legal clinics, “know your rights” presentations, and other formal and informal opportunities for low-income tenants to access legal advice and representation; make referrals to other TPB clinics and programs and other organizations to ensure low-income tenants have holistic access to legal representation and client services for all civil legal needs.
• Use, participate in, and cooperate with other programs operated by TPB to improve existing legal services, including, but not limited to, the TPB VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) program and NALAP (Native American Legal Aid Program).
• Participate in specific and general program volunteer recruitment and CLE trainings.
Experience and Qualifications
• Licensed to practice law in Washington.
• Knowledge of Washington housing law, or a commitment to learn this specialized field.
• Litigation and direct client management experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with low-income clients, individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds, survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, or individuals from historically marginalized and oppressed communities.
• Established commitment to providing legal assistance to low-income clients.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with others.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Zoom, and LegalServer or similar case management software.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described above are representative of those required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions. Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time; interact with computer screens and manipulate essential computer components (i.e., mouse and keyboard). Mobility around the office, and abilities to bend/stoop, push/pull, and perform unassisted lifting consistent with the job duties are required.
To Apply
For consideration, submit a letter of interest, resume, and 3 professional references to Carly Roberts, Executive Director, at carly@tacomaprobono.org.
Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetics, disability, veteran status, citizenship or immigration status. In addition to federal law requirements, Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training