Staff Attorney, Housing Justice

Kitsap Legal Aid Services is a non-profit organization that provides free legal services to low-income individuals in Kitsap County, Washington.

Funding for the KLAS Eviction Defense Attorney is from grants received from the State of Washington, Office of Civil Legal Aid. This position will work under the general direction of the KLAS Executive Director. The KLAS Eviction Defense Attorney's role is key to preventing evictions. This position will provide advice and brief services to tenants who are being threatened with eviction but prior to the eviction being filed with the courts. Occasionally, some litigation may be required. Service priority will be given to low-income tenants at disparate risk of eviction due to race/ethnicity, language, culture, sexual orientation, disability, or other barriers. The attorney will work closely with other housing attorneys, KLAS volunteers, and partner organizations. If the case is filed for eviction, the attorney will transition the case to the Appointed Counsel attorneys as directed. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for legal clinics or outreach events.

Job Duties:

• Provide legal services to low-income tenants experiencing housing instability at all pre-summons stages of the eviction process, including but not limited to rent disputes, habitability issues, illegal practices, security deposit disputes, discrimination, and subsidized housing issues
• Provide services in a manner that is sensitive and appropriate for those who have been traumatized by poverty, physical and mental abuse and/or violence
• Prepare and manage a high-volume caseload requiring frequent negotiations with opposing parties
• Develop and maintain relationships with opposing counsel, local stakeholders, and other eviction defense attorneys
• Stay up-to-date on local, state, and federal housing laws, regulations, and case precedents to ensure accurate and effective legal assistance to clients, including participating in trainings and CLEs regarding housing law and other relevant topics
• Participate in outreach events and informational sessions about housing issues
• Utilize case management and timekeeping systems and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements and reporting needs
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Licensed to practice law in Washington in good standing
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (interpreters are available to communicate with clients who do not speak English)
• Knowledge of Washington housing law, or a commitment to learn this specialized field
• Experience with direct client management
• Demonstrated experience (professionally, lived, or both) working directly with low-income clients, individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds, survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, or individuals from historically marginalized and oppressed communities
• Established commitment to working with marginalized and oppressed communities
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with others
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Zoom, LegalServer or other case management software

Benefits include: compensated medical insurance; local and state Bar dues; parking; paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000