Staff Attorney- Clean Slate Initiatives Team at Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County – Pacoima, California

Change Lives and Transform Communities – Join Our Clean Slate Initiatives Team!

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) provides free assistance to over 160,000 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

NLSLA is seeking a Staff Attorney for its Clean Slate Initiatives (CSI) team. The CSI team consists of a passionate group of advocates working to disrupt systemic inequity and generational trauma through removing legal barriers caused by the presence of a criminal record. The Attorney will staff multiple reentry legal services projects, which will require travel to criminal courthouses throughout Los Angeles County for representation in post-conviction hearings. The Attorney will be trained in and expected to maintain expertise on a range of legal issues affecting system-impacted individuals, including expungement, arrest sealing, early termination of supervision, Fair Chance housing and employment denials, and other legal issues such as housing, public benefits, immigration, and family law. Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting, perform client interviews with patience and sensitivity, and manage an active caseload is required.

In this role, you would report to the CSI team Supervising or Associate Supervising Attorney. This position is exempt and temporary (one year).

What You’ll Do

The Attorney is expected to develop expertise in substantive legal areas impacting the reentry population, including: criminal record clearing, housing and employment denials related to background check issues, professional licensing denials/revocations/appeals, housing/eviction defense, public benefits, immigration, and family law. Responsibilities will include:

• Playing an active role in the implementation of legal services through the Antelope Valley D.O.O.R.S collaborative and other reentry legal services projects;
• Collaborating on service delivery alongside other AV D.O.O.R.S providers, including mental health agencies, probation/parole, and organizations providing housing and employment support;
• Providing direct client services in the areas outlined above. Legal services will range from counsel and advice, through brief service/informal advocacy, through full representation in court and/or administrative proceedings;
• Conducting in-person legal workshops 1 time per month in Lancaster, CA;
• Maintaining an active caseload composed of direct partner referrals and community walk-ins;
• Working with the team’s Pro Bono Coordinator on training and recruitment of volunteer attorneys, which may include establishing new community clinics or other efforts to expand access to reentry legal services.
• 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 will be required, including occasional travel (1-4 times per month) to Lancaster, CA.

What You’ll Need

• Must be licensed to practice in California and be in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• Minimum of two (2) years of continuous legal experience in consumer matters and public interest cases is required. Such experience may include non-attorney legal work (i.e. pre-licensure), such as paralegal/legal assistance work, and/or law student internships.
• Skillful, self-motivated attorney who excels in a high-volume, dynamic anti-poverty law practice and is capable of fiercely advocating on behalf of NLSLA clients in multiple forums.
• Demonstrated passion and commitment to public interest law and prior experience serving low-income individuals and client groups, with a sensitivity to those in crisis.
• Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills.
• The ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with clients, community partners, the court, and the public is essential.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, business communication platforms, and web-based case management platforms.

Bonus Points

• Experience working in reentry legal services, or in a related legal aid practice area.
• Experience with housing, family law, public benefits, and/or immigration issues.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us
At NLSLA, we believe in supporting our staff as they grow in their careers and live balanced lives. We offer:

• Competitive Salary: $85,000–$93,000, based on experience.
• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, 2 to 5 weeks of vacation depending on seniority, and 12 days of sick leave. Exempt employees are eligible for compensatory time in accordance with company policy.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance with a variety of plan options.
  • Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance.
  • 403(b) retirement plan and options for voluntary contributions.
  • Monthly bilingual supplement for qualified employees.
  • Loan Repayment Assistance Program, which provides law school student loan repayment assistance for eligible individuals.
• A Culture of Inclusion: We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive.
• Perks: Technology reimbursement to help you stay connected and equipped to do your best work.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

NLSLA is committed to provide a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of each individual and is free from all forms of employment discrimination based on each and every characteristic protected under the law and beyond.

Decisions related to hiring, compensating, training, evaluating performance, promoting, or terminating are made fairly, and are based on job-related qualities and abilities. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and employees. We examine our unconscious biases and take responsibility for always striving to create an inclusive environment that makes every employee and candidate feel welcome.

We further expect every member of the NLSLA community to do their part to cultivate and maintain an environment where everyone has the opportunity to feel included and is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve.

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Please note that, in limited circumstances, certain convictions may be considered incompatible with the responsibilities of specific roles, particularly where the safety and well-being of vulnerable client populations are a concern.

NLSLA’s Commitments

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging within our organization and the communities we serve. We achieve this through:

· Continuous Learning: Cultivating cultural competency and humility among staff through ongoing training, open dialogue, and self-reflection.

· Equitable Practices: Regularly reviewing and revising policies, procedures, and decision-making processes to ensure fairness and access for all.

· Strategic Resource Allocation: Directing resources towards initiatives that empower communities.

· Meaningful Community Engagement: Partnering with the communities we serve to co-create solutions and foster trust.

· A Respectful Workplace: Providing a work environment free from discrimination and where every individual is valued, heard, and respected for their unique contributions.