Disaster Resilience Program Fellow in Pacoima, California at Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County

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.

What You’ll Need

· A JD from an accredited law school.

· Active membership in the State Bar of California at the time of hire, or eligibility to obtain licensure promptly after hire by sitting for the next available California Bar Examination.

· At least two (2) years of legal experience, including active practice of law, preferred.

· Desire to pursue access to justice for highly impacted disaster survivors. Excellent interpersonal including being attentive to cultural needs and differences and the ability to interact with clients in a trauma-informed, empathetic manner.

· Excellent organizational skills and the ability to remain flexible in the face of changing and evolving legal needs.

· An ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary setting to facilitate a coordinated community response and provide holistic services to clients.

· Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, business communication platforms, and web-based case management platforms.

· Passion for NLSLA mission and demonstrated commitment to advocating for the legal rights of low-income individuals.

· Passion, empathy, and compassion for supporting people from different lived experiences.

Bonus Points

· Passion for supporting people from different lived experiences and a commitment to social justice, with a desire to increase access to justice for disaster survivors and achieve results.

· Experience working individuals who have experienced trauma.

· Prior disaster legal experience or experience practicing multiple areas of public interest law.

· Experience delivering training and presentations.

· Are bilingual in Spanish, due to the high number of Spanish-speaking residents in the community, or in any of the other Los Angeles threshold languages, which is highly valued in our community outreach efforts.

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: $78,000–$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.