What are the responsibilities and job description for the Attorney Advisor position at Ofc of the Tenant Advocate?
Introduction
This position is located within the Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA).The OTA's mission is to provide technical advice and other legal services to tenants regarding disputes with landlords; to educate and inform the tenant community about tenant rights and rental housing matters; to advocate for the rights and interests of District renters in the legislative, regulatory, and judicial contexts; and to provide financial assistance to displaced tenants for certain emergency housing and tenant relocation expenses.
Incumbent serves as a litigating attorney responsible for conducting litigation activities, including discovery, pre-trial hearings, bench and jury trials, and appeals. Incumbent may be required to participate in brief services activities for training purposes or as otherwise required.
Duties and Responsibilities
Incumbent litigates multiple, complex cases in various District of Columbia forums, including D.C. Superior Court branches, such as the Landlord and Tenant Branch, Small Claims Branch, Civil Actions Branch, and Housing Conditions Court. Appears before administrative bodies, including the Office of Administrative Hearings, Office of Human Rights, and Office of Fair Hearings. Argues cases in appellate bodies, such as the DC Court of Appeals and the Rental Housing Commission. Incumbent utilizes any forum that may assist in resolving legal matters, including mediation, arbitration, direct negotiation, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Incumbent will manage cases from their initial client interview through trial.
Interviews tenants to ascertain the nature of their legal claims. Investigates tenants' allegations to determine the viability of establishing a case. Conducts legal research as necessary. Drafts pleadings, demand letters, settlement agreements, discovery documents, and any other necessary litigation documents. Conducts litigation activities to represent clients, including settlement negotiations, discovery, pre-trial hearings, drafting and filing pleadings, litigating bench and jury trials, and appeals. Communicates with tenants and tenant-clients to address legal issues related to their tenancies and advise tenants on how to best resolve these issues. Prepares memoranda on legal questions and proposals and drafts documents to relay critical observations, findings, and recommendations on proposed changes.
Qualifications & Education
Education: Must have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) at the time of appointment.
Licensures & Certifications
Incumbent must be an active member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar or eligible to waive into the District of Columbia Bar. (If eligible for waiver, incumbent must successfully obtain admission to the D.C. Bar within 360 days of commencing employment). Once a member of the D.C Bar, an appointee to this Legal Service position shall remain a member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar during his/her employment in the Legal Service.
Work Conditions/Environment
The work is performed in a normal office setting.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday 8:45 am - 4:45 pm
Operating Status: In-person reporting, flexible and limited telework options available upon position eligibility and operational needs. The position requires attendance at biannual or quarterly OTA public meetings that may occur after regular office hours, as well as occasional community meetings on nights and weekends.
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential
Duration of Appointment: Legal Service - Regular
Pay Plan, Series, Grade: LA-0905-12
Salary: $91,650 - $119,156
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under collective bargaining.
Residency Requirement: Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
1st Screening Date: January 2, 2025
Salary : $91,650 - $119,156