Staff Attorney, Centro Legal de la Raza

Agency Name: Centro Legal de la Raza

Position / Job Title : Staff Attorney

Location: Oakland, Ca 94601

Category : Attorney 

Job Description: JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Position: Tenants’ Rights Staff Attorney

Location: Alameda County

Reports to: Tenants’ Rights Managing Attorney

Bargaining Unit: Yes

FLSA: Exempt

Type: Full Time

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Our Tenants’ Rights Practice works to stop displacement and stabilize our communities through eviction defense, drop-in legal clinics, affirmative litigation, administrative hearings before rent boards, know-your-rights presentations and community outreach, and policy initiatives. We are seeking a staff attorney to join our team in providing high quality legal services to low-income tenants in Alameda County.

Primary responsibilities will include:

Directly representing low-income tenants in unlawful detainer trials and appeals;
Directly representing low-income tenants in administrative hearings;
Directly representing low-income tenants in high-impact affirmative litigation to enforce tenants’ rights in our community;
Supervising and/or providing consultations at clinics and workshops;
Providing Know Your Rights presentations to community members and trusted community-based organizations to build community knowledge about tenants’ rights; and
Representing Centro Legal de la Raza and its clients at community events, stakeholder meetings, City Council hearings, etc.
Qualifications

The applicant must profoundly share Centro Legal’s mission and vision of racial, economic and social justice. Qualifications include:

J.D; admitted and in good standing with the California bar;
Fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, or Vietnamese preferred, but not required;
Knowledge and adherence to community lawyering principles;
Strong leadership skills;
Excellent writing, research, analytical, and verbal communication skills;
Demonstrated commitment to civil liberties, tenants’ rights, and public interest law;
Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively on projects with lawyers, other staff members, and diverse community organizations;
Demonstrated commitment to diversity within the office and a personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences regarding race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability, socio-economic circumstance, immigration status, and record of arrest or conviction;
Familiarity in working with clients in crisis or who are trauma survivors;
Commitment to and understanding of how intersectionality plays a role in client and staff experiences; and
Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively on projects with lawyers, other staff members across organization, and diverse community organizations, stakeholders and policymakers.
Compensation

This is a full time exempt position that is competitive and commensurate with experience ranging from $71,321- $85,731. This is a full time exempt position. For senior attorneys, the salary could range from $79,458 - $85,731.For senior attorneys, with a potential to obtain senior salary after a year with the organization, if qualifications are met, including years of experience

Benefits and Perks:

We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to include: medical, dental, vision, long-term disability and life insurance. 

Medical coverage ( Kaiser) will be provided at Centro Legal’s expense covering 100%, and 50% for dependents, spouses, and partners. Our alternative health plans with United Health Care at an additional premium cost. 
Additional Benefits include: Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA, commuter benefits, pet insurance, and Employee Assistance Plan. 
PTO: Vacation: 0-1 year 16 days per year, 1-2 year 18 days per year, Over 2 years 23 days per year, (1) paid wellness days per month, 12 sick days per year. 
Office Closure: 12 holidays + 8 work days, to include the period from December 24th through January 1st

COVID 19 Policy 

Proof of completed Covid-19 vaccination to include both shots of a two-dose vaccination regimen, or one dose of a single-dose vaccine, will be required for all employees (except for reasonable accommodations due to medical and/or religious beliefs). All employees must provide HR with their vaccination QR Code by going to https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/.

Remote Work Policy

Because of current public health guidance, this position will begin as a remote work position. If public health guidance changes, this position will require some work from our office in Oakland and the courthouse in Hayward.

To Apply

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Submit via email only: 1) cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Please include “Tenants’ Rights Staff Attorney Alameda County” in the subject line. Please email application materials directly to jobs@centrolegal.org.

POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED

About Centro Legal de la Raza

Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Oakland, California, Centro Legal de la Raza (Centro Legal) is a comprehensive legal services and advocacy organization protecting and advancing the rights of immigrant, low-income, and Latino communities through bilingual representation, education, and advocacy. We combine quality legal services with know-your-rights education, affirmative litigation, and youth development, ensuring access to justice for thousands of individuals and families each year throughout Northern and Central California. For more information, visit our website: https://centrolegal.org/

Diversity Statement

Centro Legal is an equal employment opportunity employer and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy), gender, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, age, medical condition including genetic characteristics, mental or physical disability, service in the uniformed services or veteran status, marital status, family responsibilities, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, weight, height, linguistic characteristics (such as accent and limited English proficiency where not substantially job-related), citizenship status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, HIV/AIDs status, conviction/incarceration history (subject to any requirements, exceptions or limitations provided for in the Fair Chance Act or other applicable federal, state, and local law), political affiliation, Union activity, or any other basis prohibited by law. Centro Legal also prohibits discrimination based on a perception that an individual has any of the characteristics of the protected classes listed above, and further prohibits discrimination against an individual who is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics.

Link to Application: https://www.centrolegal.org/careers/