Description
KITSAP LEGAL AID SERVICES - Job Announcement
500 Pacific Avenue, Suite 401, Bremerton, WA 98337
Job Title: Staff Attorney, Pre-Eviction Protection & Defense
Job Type: Full-time, salaried position
Compensation: $75,000/year; Vacation & sick leave; Compensated medical insurance.
Application Deadline: Open until filled.
Start Date: ASAP
Kitsap Legal Aid Services (KLAS) is a non-profit organization that provides free legal services and facilitates access to justice for individuals with low incomes or from marginalized communities in Kitsap County, Washington. KLAS is looking for an attorney who can offer empathetic and effective services to community members who are experiencing difficult and stressful circumstances related to their tenancies. Washington’s Office of Civil Legal Aid funds a program to address tenants’ housing issues and prevent evictions before a court case is filed. At Kitsap Legal Aid Services, we have seen how life can be much harder than it needs to be, often because of race, ethnicity, language, culture, sexual orientation, disability, poverty, and abuse. Our staff works hard to counter these factors’ impacts and demonstrate to our clients that they are not alone. This work gives KLAS attorneys the opportunity to work closely with other housing attorneys, KLAS volunteers, and community support partners in the office, at legal clinics, and community outreach events. Funding for this position is guaranteed through 06/30/2027 and may be extended beyond that date.
Job Duties:
- Provide legal counsel, perform legal work and advocate for tenants who have low incomes and who are experiencing housing instability at all pre-summons stages of the eviction process, including but not limited to rent disputes, habitability issues, illegal practices, security deposit disputes, discrimination, and subsidized housing issues;
- Provide services in a manner and extent that is sensitive and appropriate for clients who have been traumatized by discrimination, oppression, poverty, physical and mental abuse, and/or violence;
- Prepare and manage a high-volume caseload requiring frequent communications and negotiations with opposing parties;
- Develop and maintain relationships with opposing counsel, local stakeholders including community support partners, and other eviction defense attorneys;
- Stay current on local, state, and federal housing laws, regulations, and case precedents to ensure accurate and effective legal assistance to clients, including participating in trainings, relevant forums, and CLEs regarding housing law and other relevant topics;
- Participate in monthly outreach events and informational sessions about housing issues;
- Utilize case management and timekeeping systems and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements and reporting needs;
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Requirements:
- Licensed to practice law in Washington in good standing;
- Ability to communicate effectively in English. Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish is preferred.
- Knowledge of Washington housing law, or a commitment to learn this specialized field;
- Experience with direct client management;
- Demonstrated experience (professionally, lived, or both) working directly with low-income clients, individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds, survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, or individuals from historically marginalized and oppressed communities;
- Established commitment to working with marginalized and oppressed communities;
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with others;
- Adheres to professional standards including client confidentiality;
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Zoom, LegalServer or other case management software.
To Apply: Send a letter of interest, resumé, and three professional references to Hiring@KitsapLegalAid.org. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.
