Home Preservation Staff Attorney

We are looking for two Home Preservation Staff Attorneys to join our teams in Los Angeles and Orange County!

WHO WE ARE

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization that advocates for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Founded in 1983, AJSOCAL supports over 15,000 individuals and organizations annually. AJSOCAL offers free legal help, engages in impact litigation, and advocates for policy change. Our services are open to individuals of all races and ethnicities, without restriction. AJSOCAL strives to be a champion for the most vulnerable members of the AAPI communities, while advancing civil rights and social justice for everyone. 

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California offices are located in downtown Los Angeles and Orange County, with presence in Sacramento, ensuring accessibility for all. With our Advancing Justice affiliates in Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., we enrich, enhance, and serve our communities all across the country. 

We provide supportive services for individuals wanting to start the immigration process through Family-Based Immigration, Asylum, Temporary Protected Status, the Violence Against Women Act, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, T-Visa, and U-Visa. We also offer free citizenship workshops and resources to help you on your naturalization journey. Beyond immigration, we also lead community-centered initiatives such as the Asian Language Legal Intake Project (ALLIP), the Survivor and Family Empowerment (SAFE) Project, the Housing Preservation (HP) Program, and our Health Access Project (HAP). In addition, our Demographic Research Project (DRP) and Community Engagement (CE) teams drive data-informed strategies and grassroots partnerships that deepen our impact across Southern California. Our Impact Litigation Team looks to create systemic change for our communities, while our Policy Team continues to shape laws and local practices that impact millions of Asian American and immigrant families across California. 

WHAT WE BRING

• The special opportunity to join a mission driven team
• Flexible, hybrid work schedules
• Rich medical, dental and vision benefits
• Retirement options through 403B and match

WHO YOU ARE

You share our mission of advocacy for Asian Pacific Americans. You enjoy the thrill of serving the public interest while championing civil rights and social justice. You take pride in your work enriching lives and communities in Los Angeles and across the country. You are looking for your next role in an organization that supports your career as much as you support the organization and its goals. You are looking for a job where you make a difference, and your impact is directly proportional to your contribution. You are a game changer. You are a leader. You are an advocate.

WHAT YOU BRING

• J.D. and active membership in California State Bar  

• Minimum one year of related housing law experience including tenant rights and landlord responsibilities or one year of legal aid experience; 3 years preferred  

• Bilingual fluency in an AAPI language strongly preferred 

• Knowledge of laws, civil procedure, government regulations, and court procedures related to housing issues.  

• Ability to identify, investigate, and resolve client issues  

• Strong writing and oral communication skills; ability to analyze, write and present ideas and legal concepts clearly and concisely  

• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task and perform well under pressure in fast-paced situations and with a substantial case load.  

• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to engage with individuals possibly in crisis compassionately and effectively 

About the Role

Under the direction of the Program Director of Home Preservation, the Staff Attorney is responsible for counseling and representing tenants in home preservation issues within Los Angeles and Orange County.  The Staff Attorney will interview and counsel clients on tenants’ rights, provide full-scope representation to defendants in unlawful detainer cases, conduct legal research on California housing law, provide community education, and conduct legal clinics.  This position is covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. This is a fixed term position ending on February 27, 2027.  

Duties and Responsibilities 

70% Client Support  

• Handle a high volume of cases on a variety of home preservation issues including subsidized or private housing, housing discrimination, landlord-tenant disputes, eviction defense including representation in depositions, settlement negotiations, court hearings, and trials in Orange County and Los Angeles County, and other housing law matters  

• Counsel and advise clients on tenant’s rights, draft pleadings, and conduct legal research 

• Conduct community legal clinics/workshops; train volunteers and pro-bono attorneys to serve clients and communities  

• Advocate for clients' interests through legal actions and may engage in policy advocacy to address broader housing issues 

20% Community Education  

• Coordinate client services with legal interns, legal assistant/advocate, and partner service organization  

• Coordinate and conduct community education and outreach; develop and revise community education materials including training manual and brochures 

10% Other Duties as Assigned  

• Participate in the development and implementation of annual practice work plan  

• Attend trainings on substantive legal areas 

At AJSOCAL, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.  AJSOCAL strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or other covered persons, including interns.

All positions are subject to funding, and non-collective bargaining unit positions are also at will.   

Salary : $68,640 - $125,500