What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Attorney for Fair Housing position at Project Sentinel?
Company Description Project Sentinel is a non-profit agency dedicated to helping people resolve housing-related problems and protect their fair housing rights. The organization provides counseling, education, and dispute resolution services for a wide range of rental issues, including repairs, deposits, rent increases, privacy, and discrimination. It also offers support for mortgage foreclosure and delinquency, home buyer education, post-purchase education, and reverse mortgages. Services are funded by cities and counties in the greater Bay Area and Central Valley. All services are free and confidential, enabling broad access to fair housing assistance.
Role Description The Staff Attorney for Fair Housing is a part-time, on-site role based in Modesto, CA. The attorney will provide legal advice and representation related to fair housing matters, including discrimination complaints, rental disputes, and tenant protections. Day-to-day responsibilities include conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, reviewing case files, and advising clients on their rights and options. The role involves negotiating settlements where appropriate, collaborating with counselors and program staff, and supporting outreach and education efforts on fair housing laws. The Staff Attorney will also maintain accurate records, manage a caseload, and ensure compliance with agency policies and funding requirements.
Qualifications
- Strong foundation in Law, with specific experience or coursework in Fair Housing Law and Civil Rights Law.
- Knowledge of Labor and Employment Law and its intersections with housing and discrimination issues.
- Demonstrated ability to provide Legal Advice to diverse clients, including issue spotting, risk assessment, and guidance on next steps.
- Proficiency in Legal Research, including case law, statutes, regulations, and administrative guidance related to housing.
- Effective Negotiation skills for resolving disputes, reaching settlements, and advocating for clients in informal and formal settings.
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active membership in the California Bar (or eligibility for admission within a defined timeframe).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including clear client communication and precise legal drafting.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a community-based, non-profit environment and manage a varied caseload with limited resources.
- Commitment to fair housing principles, social justice, and serving historically marginalized communities; bilingual skills are a plus.