Directing Attorney

Overview

This role is for a Directing Attorney specializing in Mobilehome Ownership Preservation. The position reports to the Director of Strategic Initiatives and is a full-time, exempt, non-union role. The work is remote.

The organization is a legal services provider focused on serving low-income mobilehome owners and park residents across California. The Mobilehome Ownership Preservation team addresses issues such as displacement, unlawful rent increases, park closures, and other threats to housing stability. This role combines leadership, legal expertise, and community advocacy to preserve affordable mobilehome communities.

Responsibilities

Supervision and Team Leadership

• Supervise and support attorneys, community workers, and legal support staff.
• Conduct performance reviews and develop professional growth plans.
• Provide mentorship, training, and case review to ensure high-quality legal representation.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, Legal Services Corporation regulations, ABA standards, and ethical obligations.
• Lead regular staff meetings and case reviews.
• Orient and supervise law student interns, pro bono attorneys, and volunteers.

Legal Advocacy and Casework

• Maintain an active caseload of complex cases involving mobilehome residents’ rights, including Mobilehome Residency Law, evictions, rent increases, park closures, and habitability.
• Oversee individual and systemic litigation, providing strategic guidance and co-counsel support.
• Identify emerging trends and systemic issues affecting mobilehome owners.
• Engage in impact litigation, administrative advocacy, and policy initiatives.

Initiative Development and Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement an annual work plan integrating direct services, systemic advocacy, and community lawyering.
• Collaborate with leadership to assess outcomes and identify growth opportunities.
• Share best practices and lessons learned across programs.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships with resident associations, community organizations, coalitions, and government agencies.
• Represent the organization in coalitions and advocacy efforts at local, state, and national levels.
• Oversee community education and outreach, including Know Your Rights presentations and workshops.

Grants and Resource Development

• Manage the team’s budget.
• Collaborate with the grants team to identify and apply for funding.
• Monitor grant deliverables and compliance, including timekeeping and LSC requirements.
• Assist with funding proposals and grant reporting.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of three years practicing law with substantive experience in mobilehome law, including California’s Mobilehome Residency Law.
• Ability to organize and supervise legal team casework or readiness to assume a leadership role.
• Experience working constructively with diverse populations and team members.
• Commitment to serving low-income, marginalized, and diverse communities.
• Admission to the California Bar or another state bar with willingness to take the California Bar Exam.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in landlord-tenant law and other housing-related areas.
• Supervisory or team leadership experience in a legal setting.
• Fluency in Spanish or another language commonly spoken in client communities.
• Experience with program development, grant management, and compliance.
• Proven ability to develop legal strategies addressing systemic issues.
• Experience building coalitions and collaborating with community organizations and government agencies.
• Background in the non-profit or public interest legal sector.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive public interest salary with pay determined by position scope, candidate qualifications, budget, and market comparisons.
• Comprehensive benefits including 100% employer-covered Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance for employees; up to 50% coverage for dependents.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching starting immediately.
• Payment of some professional dues (e.g., Bar Fees).
• Law School Loan Reimbursement Assistance Program up to $6,000 annually if qualified.
• Generous paid leave: 15 days sick leave, 15 holidays, and vacation accrual starting at 15 days per year.

Additional Information

• The organization requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including a booster shot, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Location

• Remote work arrangement.