What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Attorney position at National Legal Aid & Defender Association?
Position Description
Job Title; Safe and Stable Homes Staff Attorney
**This position is grant funded and subject to annual review.**
Position Summary
AVLF is seeking a Staff Attorney to support AVLF’s involvement in the Atlanta Rising Legal Services Pilot, a three-year homelessness prevention initiative funded in partnership with Partners for HOME and the Atlanta Continuum of Care. The initiative focuses on preventing displacement and promoting long-term housing stability for households at imminent risk of homelessness through legal advocacy, community engagement, supportive services, and strategic partnerships.
The Staff Attorney will maintain a caseload of housing-related matters while also supporting and coordinating with pro-bono volunteer attorneys. In addition to direct representation, this role may engage in community lawyering efforts within targeted neighborhoods, including community education, outreach, legal clinics, and collaboration with schools, community organizations, and service providers.
The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to tenant advocacy and experience working collaboratively with clients and community organizations to address housing instability and reduce displacement.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Direct Representation & Legal Advocacy
Represent tenants in eviction defense matters, including researching and drafting pleadings and motions, engaging in discovery, negotiating resolutions, appearing for hearings and case conferences, and assessing appeal potential.
Maintain a caseload while supporting broader community stabilization efforts.
Collect, review, and evaluate evidence related to client matters and housing conditions.
Maintain accurate and timely client records and case documentation.
Community Resource Coordination
Educate community members on issues including eviction prevention, habitability concerns, repair issues, and safe housing conditions.
Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, neighborhood groups, and service providers.
Maintain visibility within the legal and broader community to strengthen partnerships and increase access to services.
Collaboration & Program Support
Work collaboratively with Legal Advocates, program staff, and community partners to coordinate services and support households experiencing housing instability.
Participate in regular team meetings, case conferencing, and cross-functional collaboration efforts.
Support AVLF’s broader community engagement and prevention initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge And Skill Requirements
Demonstrated commitment to social justice and legal services to low-income individuals and/or communities, whether through pro bono work or otherwise.
Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, including experience and comfort with public speaking. Strong preference for proficiency or fluency in Spanish.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills; equally strong analytical skills.
Litigation Experience Is Preferred.
Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds, including communicating with our diverse constituencies – from law firm partners to potential clients.
Willingness to accept constructive feedback and ask questions when necessary.
Benefits
Health Insurance: AVLF covers 100% of employee-only Medical and Dental.
Voluntary Benefits: 100% employer-paid coverage for group life, long-term disability, and short-term disability.
Retirement: AVLF contributes 5% of your salary to a retirement plan—no employee match required.
Paid Time Off: Includes 21 PTO days (prorated), 2 floating personal days, and twice-yearly wellness leave.
Student Loan Assistance: Up to $500/month ($6,000/year) with a lifetime maximum of $60,000.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Supportive services available for employees.
Working Conditions
Work is generally performed remotely and in office environments, with travel to meetings, community sites, and client-related activities as needed. Work may involve a fast-paced environment requiring multitasking, prolonged sitting and/or standing, and occasional evening or weekend availability to support meetings, outreach activities, trainings, or client needs.
Job Title; Safe and Stable Homes Staff Attorney
**This position is grant funded and subject to annual review.**
Position Summary
AVLF is seeking a Staff Attorney to support AVLF’s involvement in the Atlanta Rising Legal Services Pilot, a three-year homelessness prevention initiative funded in partnership with Partners for HOME and the Atlanta Continuum of Care. The initiative focuses on preventing displacement and promoting long-term housing stability for households at imminent risk of homelessness through legal advocacy, community engagement, supportive services, and strategic partnerships.
The Staff Attorney will maintain a caseload of housing-related matters while also supporting and coordinating with pro-bono volunteer attorneys. In addition to direct representation, this role may engage in community lawyering efforts within targeted neighborhoods, including community education, outreach, legal clinics, and collaboration with schools, community organizations, and service providers.
The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to tenant advocacy and experience working collaboratively with clients and community organizations to address housing instability and reduce displacement.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Direct Representation & Legal Advocacy
Represent tenants in eviction defense matters, including researching and drafting pleadings and motions, engaging in discovery, negotiating resolutions, appearing for hearings and case conferences, and assessing appeal potential.
Maintain a caseload while supporting broader community stabilization efforts.
Collect, review, and evaluate evidence related to client matters and housing conditions.
Maintain accurate and timely client records and case documentation.
Community Resource Coordination
Educate community members on issues including eviction prevention, habitability concerns, repair issues, and safe housing conditions.
Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, neighborhood groups, and service providers.
Maintain visibility within the legal and broader community to strengthen partnerships and increase access to services.
Collaboration & Program Support
Work collaboratively with Legal Advocates, program staff, and community partners to coordinate services and support households experiencing housing instability.
Participate in regular team meetings, case conferencing, and cross-functional collaboration efforts.
Support AVLF’s broader community engagement and prevention initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge And Skill Requirements
Demonstrated commitment to social justice and legal services to low-income individuals and/or communities, whether through pro bono work or otherwise.
Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, including experience and comfort with public speaking. Strong preference for proficiency or fluency in Spanish.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills; equally strong analytical skills.
Litigation Experience Is Preferred.
Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds, including communicating with our diverse constituencies – from law firm partners to potential clients.
Willingness to accept constructive feedback and ask questions when necessary.
Benefits
Health Insurance: AVLF covers 100% of employee-only Medical and Dental.
Voluntary Benefits: 100% employer-paid coverage for group life, long-term disability, and short-term disability.
Retirement: AVLF contributes 5% of your salary to a retirement plan—no employee match required.
Paid Time Off: Includes 21 PTO days (prorated), 2 floating personal days, and twice-yearly wellness leave.
Student Loan Assistance: Up to $500/month ($6,000/year) with a lifetime maximum of $60,000.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Supportive services available for employees.
Working Conditions
Work is generally performed remotely and in office environments, with travel to meetings, community sites, and client-related activities as needed. Work may involve a fast-paced environment requiring multitasking, prolonged sitting and/or standing, and occasional evening or weekend availability to support meetings, outreach activities, trainings, or client needs.
- Minimum salary is $70,000, commensurate with experience.
Salary : $6,000 - $70,000