Staff Attorney I (Temporary) - Homeowner Protection

Description

For almost 50 years, Bet Tzedek Legal Services has provided high-quality, free legal services to Los Angeles’ most vulnerable residents. The Homeowner Protection team continues Bet Tzedek’s history of real estate and economic justice work. The team focuses on protecting homeowners at risk of losing ownership or equity to their homes to promote housing stability and preserve intergenerational wealth and stability in Los Angeles’s highest need communities. The team also assists homeowners in navigating ongoing disaster recovery efforts related to the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, and in building community resiliency for future disasters.

Bet Tzedek seeks a passionate and resourceful attorney to join our team on a temporary basis to protect home ownership and equity through a combination of direct representation, policy advocacy, and education and outreach efforts. The Homeowner Protection Staff Attorney will engage in direct client services and litigation under the supervision of the Directing Attorney related to real estate fraud, foreclosure, the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, predatory lending, disaster recovery, contractor fraud, and other homeowner protection issues, with a particular focus on the financial stability of older adults and homeowners of color. In addition, the attorney may be asked to coordinate and conduct outreach presentations and clinics for community groups and stakeholders.

This position is temporary and is expected to end May 28th, 2027. This position is eligible for Bet Tzedek Legal Services’ hybrid/remote workplace designation. While the primary workplace is Bet Tzedek’s offices, at the discretion of the immediate supervisor, the employee may be permitted to work remotely or may be required to work in other locations depending on workload/business obligation. Candidates must be located in the Southern California region and able to commute if needed. 

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

·        Under the supervision of a manager, conduct all phases of civil litigation, including fact investigation, settlement negotiations, drafting pleadings, discovery, law and motion practice, trials and appeals.

·        Provide direct client services to investigate and evaluate homeowner protection cases for all available legal, administrative, and other remedies. This involves working with Directing Attorney, attorneys, and support staff to conduct client intake, provide advice and counsel, brief/limited services, and full-scope representation, and participate in case review.

·        Provide direct client services, outreach, and education to homeowners and communities impacted by natural disasters.

·        Conduct community education and outreach presentations to partners and homeowners, particularly for older adults and homeowners of color.

·        Work with Pro Bono Department to develop pro bono and volunteer opportunities for the program.

·        Work with Impact Advocacy team to develop legislative and regulatory proposals that relate to project work.

·        Communicate effectively with partner organizations, stakeholders, and the media about project work.

·        Case management and grant compliance (opening and closing cases, coding data, timekeeping, case reviews, etc).

·        Other tasks as assigned by Directing Attorney to meet project goals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Active member of the California State Bar in good standing (required).
• Minimum one (1) year of experience practicing law (preferred);
• Experience in foreclosure prevention, real estate homeowner fraud, debtor’s rights, elder financial abuse, insurance recovery, probate and/or consumer protection litigation (strongly preferred);
• Spanish language fluency (preferred);
• Willingness to train and work with volunteer attorneys and students (required);
• Exceptionally organized, self-motivated, and goal-oriented (required);
• Willingness and ability to travel independently within Los Angeles County for court appearances, client visits and other in-person duties of role (required/valid California drivers license preferred);
• Demonstrated commitment to Bet Tzedek’s mission to provide free legal services to those who need them most (required);
• Demonstrated commitment to applying principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in performance of job duties (required).

How To Apply: 

·        Please visit https://bettzedek.org/careers/ to submit a letter of interest, resume, and writing sample. Please, no phone calls.

Note: This position is a temporary positi