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Housing Staff Attorney
Veterans Legal Institute - Tustin, CA
posted 2 months ago
About the position
The Housing Staff Attorney at Veterans Legal Institute (VLI) is responsible for providing free legal services to prevent veteran homelessness, primarily focusing on clients who qualify as indigent. This role involves eviction defense, tenant assistance, legal counseling, and representation to improve housing stability for veterans in Southern California. The attorney will work closely with the Managing Attorney, manage a diverse caseload, conduct legal research, draft legal documents, and advocate in court on behalf of clients.
Responsibilities
- Maintain an active caseload and provide quality legal services to mentally ill, low-income, disabled, and homeless former and active service members.
- Interview former and active service members to determine legal issues and eligibility for VLI's services.
- Participate in case review meetings to ensure legal services align with VLI's priorities and maximize resources.
- Collaborate with the Managing Attorney to meet organizational goals.
- Assist volunteers, including law students and pro bono attorneys, with various tasks.
- Liaise with the client veteran community and represent VLI at networking events, including occasional nights and weekends.
- Staff, coordinate, and supervise legal clinics and trainings on legal issues affecting veterans.
- Conduct legal research, draft legal documents, and appear in court to advocate for clients.
Requirements
- Active membership in the California State Bar.
- Demonstrated knowledge of applicable law and community legal needs.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to work cooperatively with staff at all levels of the organization.
- Good people skills and ability to maintain positive relations with a diverse population.
- Ability to interact with clients using client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, multitask, and meet deadlines.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in developing and leading trainings.
- Experience working with veterans, people with disabilities, and low-income or homeless individuals.
- Strong teaching and public speaking skills.
- Previous experience in a legal services program.
- Housing experience.
- VA Accreditation.
- Experience representing mentally ill, low-income individuals, or military in civil litigation or administrative proceedings.
- Knowledge of VA or government benefits, including SSI/SSDI.
- Military service or familiarity with modern military issues.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
