Job posting: Housing Law Attorney

Background: Bread for the City's Legal Clinic exists to ensure better access to justice for low-income individuals in our nation’s capital. The Legal Clinic provides front-line civil legal services primarily in three areas of law: housing, family, and public benefits. Our Housing Law practice includes defending tenants against complaints for possession of real estate, affirmative litigation on behalf of tenants and tenant associations, representation at administrative agencies, and advice and counsel in a variety of housing-related matters.

Position Description: The Legal Clinic in our Southeast Center is seeking one attorney with 1-3 years’ experience for our Housing Law practice. Specifically, we seek one attorney to work in the new Court-Based Legal Services Project. The attorney will work one or two days per week in an office at the Landlord/Tenant Branch of D.C. Superior Court, providing immediate representation to referred clients in emergency matters. Many of those cases will then be retained by our clinic for continued representation by the court-based attorney. The attorney will also maintain a caseload of other housing matters that come through the clinic’s regular intake procedures, and conduct advocacy, education and other outreach activities. This project is in collaboration with other legal services providers.

Qualifications: A J.D. degree, excellent research and writing skills, outstanding oral communication skills, strong organizational skills, a high degree of flexibility, an ability to work collaboratively with other staff, as well as self-motivation. Some knowledge or experience in housing law is a plus. The candidate must also be adept at interacting with a wide variety of people, and comfortable working in a busy, open, noisy work environment, with no private offices for staff. A demonstrated commitment to social and economic justice is a must, as well as a sense of humor. Seriously. Prior experience in a public interest and/or grassroots setting is highly desirable. Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred for these positions. The candidate is expected to either be a member of the D.C. Bar, or be eligible to waive into the D.C. Bar. 2010 graduates need not apply.

Salary: Bread for the City’s legal clinic offers competitive salaries, based on experience, and a generous benefits package.

To apply: Bread for the City encourages all interested persons regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or disability to apply immediately. Qualified candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, short writing sample, and a list of 3 references to: Vytas V. Vergeer, Legal Clinic Director