Posted June 1, 20151:30 pm
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland (Legal Aid) seeks a Housing Practice Group staff attorney.
About Legal Aid: Legal Aid is a non-profit law firm whose mission is to secure justice and resolve fundamental problems for those who are low income and vulnerable by providing high quality legal services and working for systemic solutions. Founded in 1905, Legal Aid is the fifth oldest legal aid organization in the United States. Legal Aid’s 40 staff attorneys, 70 staff members, and over 2,000 volunteer lawyers use the power of the law to improve safety and health, shelter and economic stability for low income clients. Legal Aid serves a diverse population in 5 counties in northeast Ohio: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain Counties.
To learn more about Legal Aid please visit www.lasclev.org.
The Housing Practice Group represents tenants in eviction and other housing cases, works with community groups to increase the supply of decent, affordable housing for low income persons, and advocates to secure reasonable policies and practices in subsidized housing programs.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Commitment to the principal of equal justice and to advocacy for low-income persons
- Excellent advocacy skills to address individual client issues and systemic issues
- Excellent communication skills (oral and written)
- Experience working with low income communities
- Experience working with mental health consumers preferred
- Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team and independently
- Ability to prioritize, plan, problem-solve, meet deadlines, and work well under pressure
- Juris Doctor (JD) and strong academic record
- Member in good standing of the Ohio Bar or eligible to sit for the next bar exam
- Computer proficiency in MS Office
- Proficiency in Spanish preferred
- Ability to travel to and work from multiple office locations in Legal Aid’s service area
Major Responsibilities:
- Provide high quality legal advice and representation. This includes client interviews, research, investigation, pleadings preparation, negotiations, discovery, motion practice, and representation in litigation and administrative hearings.
- Work in partnership with community organizations, including engaging in community legal education and outreach
- Develop and implement strategies to address systemic legal problems
- Provide training, mentoring and support to volunteer attorneys
Compensation & Benefits: Starting salary for this position will be $49,100+ DOE. Legal Aid offers an exceptional benefits package including healthcare benefits, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plan with up to 13% employer contribution, generous time off, and much more. Visit www.lasclev.org/careers/overview for more information.
To Apply: Qualified candidates should forward a cover letter, writing sample and resume to: careers@lasclev.org listing “Staff Attorney” in the subject line of the email. Application materials will be accepted until June 19, 2015.
Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate because of age, race, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.