What are the responsibilities and job description for the Disaster Resilience Program Fellow position at National Legal Aid & Defender Association?
Position Description
Change Lives and Transform Communities – Join Our Disaster Assistance Project Team!
Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) provides free assistance to over 175,000 individuals and families each year through innovative projects that expand access to justice. We see the law as a powerful tool for social change, and we’re looking for passionate individuals to help us fight for justice.
We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we believe that a strong community is built through inclusivity. NLSLA is proud to foster an environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and abilities, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
About The Role
The NLSLA Disaster Assistance Project (DAP) team assists individuals who are experiencing legal issues after a disaster, both manmade and natural. The team is actively responding to the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires. The DAP Disaster Resilience Program Fellow will work with the DAP team assisting disaster survivors impacted by the 2025 Wildfires, including but not limited to housing and habitability issues, consumer claims and all other legal issues that will arise.
The Fellowship is funded by Equal Justice Works (EJW) through their Disaster Resilience Program. The Disaster Resilience Program is a national, professional Fellowship program for attorneys designed to mobilize legal aid in disaster prone areas, including immigration and humanitarian crises, to ensure vital legal services are accessible, comprehensive, and responsive to the unique needs of individuals, families, and communities to rebuild more resilient communities.
EJW is the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law. They facilitate Fellowships at legal services organizations to help fulfill our nation’s promise of equal justice for all.
As a Disaster Resilience Fellow, You Will Be Part Of a Prestigious Group Of Attorneys Hosted By Legal Services Organizations Across The United States. During The Fellowship Term, The Fellow Will Work Collaboratively To
Provide legal advice and assistance, including direct representation to underserved survivors of the 2025 LA Wildfires
Identify areas for policy change and reform
Engage in outreach and education activities, such as Know-Your-Rights presentations on disaster related legal issues, disaster resilience, disaster preparedness and heat related events
Participate in the state-wide Disaster Legal Assistance Collaborative
Work with community partners to provide services to disaster impacted community members and increase disaster preparedness and resilience
In this role, you would report to the Pro Bono Manager. This position is exempt and temporary.
What You’ll Do
Assist disaster survivors holistically with a range of legal issues including FEMA, housing, public benefits, employment, estate planning, education, and other disaster related issues.
Collaborate with DAP Team members and Pro Bono to staff disaster legal clinics and outreach events.
Assist the DAP Team in developing and updating readable consumer flyers and other materials for disaster survivors.
Represent NLSLA at community events and meetings related to disaster preparedness and network with government, NGO, faith-based, and social services organizations that participate in disaster response.
This position is designated as hybrid. Employees are required to work on-site a minimum of two (2) days per week, with the remaining time eligible for remote work as business needs allow. Specific in-office days may be set by the department or manager to support team collaboration and organizational priorities.
Travel to NLSLA program offices, courthouses, and other locations throughout Los Angeles County may be required.
Change Lives and Transform Communities – Join Our Disaster Assistance Project Team!
Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) provides free assistance to over 175,000 individuals and families each year through innovative projects that expand access to justice. We see the law as a powerful tool for social change, and we’re looking for passionate individuals to help us fight for justice.
We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we believe that a strong community is built through inclusivity. NLSLA is proud to foster an environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and abilities, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
About The Role
The NLSLA Disaster Assistance Project (DAP) team assists individuals who are experiencing legal issues after a disaster, both manmade and natural. The team is actively responding to the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires. The DAP Disaster Resilience Program Fellow will work with the DAP team assisting disaster survivors impacted by the 2025 Wildfires, including but not limited to housing and habitability issues, consumer claims and all other legal issues that will arise.
The Fellowship is funded by Equal Justice Works (EJW) through their Disaster Resilience Program. The Disaster Resilience Program is a national, professional Fellowship program for attorneys designed to mobilize legal aid in disaster prone areas, including immigration and humanitarian crises, to ensure vital legal services are accessible, comprehensive, and responsive to the unique needs of individuals, families, and communities to rebuild more resilient communities.
EJW is the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law. They facilitate Fellowships at legal services organizations to help fulfill our nation’s promise of equal justice for all.
As a Disaster Resilience Fellow, You Will Be Part Of a Prestigious Group Of Attorneys Hosted By Legal Services Organizations Across The United States. During The Fellowship Term, The Fellow Will Work Collaboratively To
Provide legal advice and assistance, including direct representation to underserved survivors of the 2025 LA Wildfires
Identify areas for policy change and reform
Engage in outreach and education activities, such as Know-Your-Rights presentations on disaster related legal issues, disaster resilience, disaster preparedness and heat related events
Participate in the state-wide Disaster Legal Assistance Collaborative
Work with community partners to provide services to disaster impacted community members and increase disaster preparedness and resilience
In this role, you would report to the Pro Bono Manager. This position is exempt and temporary.
What You’ll Do
Assist disaster survivors holistically with a range of legal issues including FEMA, housing, public benefits, employment, estate planning, education, and other disaster related issues.
Collaborate with DAP Team members and Pro Bono to staff disaster legal clinics and outreach events.
Assist the DAP Team in developing and updating readable consumer flyers and other materials for disaster survivors.
Represent NLSLA at community events and meetings related to disaster preparedness and network with government, NGO, faith-based, and social services organizations that participate in disaster response.
This position is designated as hybrid. Employees are required to work on-site a minimum of two (2) days per week, with the remaining time eligible for remote work as business needs allow. Specific in-office days may be set by the department or manager to support team collaboration and organizational priorities.
Travel to NLSLA program offices, courthouses, and other locations throughout Los Angeles County may be required.