Staff Attorney – Eviction Prevention Unit – Kennewick, WA

NJP seeks applications from qualified attorneys committed to supporting our mission through the work of our new statewide Eviction Prevention Unit (EPU).

NJP seeks to add an attorney to the EPU.  This position will work out of our Tri-Cities office and will specifically target gaps in the current statewide Right to Counsel deployment to focus on geographic coverage gaps and serve as conflict counsel for other Right to Counsel providers, which may require travel to adjacent counties and/or remote representation.

 NJP is especially interested in qualified candidates with professional, personal and/or service experience that allows them to contribute to and support the legal aid community’s commitment to race equity.  Candidates must be willing to be engaged with the community to be served.

JOB DUTIES:
 The staff attorney will undertake a range of duties including, but not limited to:

• Represent individuals found eligible for representation in unlawful detainer actions by the Superior Court. Additionally, the staff attorney will assist individuals with unfiled unlawful detainer actions as appropriate.
• Use strategic methods and a broad range of advocacy tools to address high priority, eviction-related client needs, with particular focus on legal needs of persons and groups that experience special barriers to accessing civil legal services, including immigrants, youth, seniors, disabled persons, and other groups.
• Develop collaborative working relationships with a statewide network of advocates working on rental housing related issues throughout the state.
• Engage with the communities of people at risk of eviction and participate in legal education events for groups, social and human services providers and justice system stakeholders, and serve as a resource to other advocates working on landlord-tenant and eviction related issues. Specifically, the eviction defense staff attorney will work collaboratively with providers of rental assistance, mediation, and volunteer lawyer programs to ensure low-income renters have equal access to housing justice.
• Utilize NJP’s case management and timekeeping systems and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements and reporting needs.
• As needed, support the Eviction Prevention Unit by providing coverage across counties as necessary.
• Will travel to courthouses within the region as needed.
• Support the work of NJP eviction defense partners including the local volunteer lawyer program, private attorneys, programs serving the needs of unrepresented litigants, other legal aid providers and interested parties and organizations addressing the legal needs of low-income persons.

NJP has adopted the Washington Race Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI) and is organizationally committed to fight racism and to incorporate equity and inclusion in our advocacy work and our internal systems and work environment.  NJP expects all staff to uphold the REJI commitments and approach their role with a desire to learn and grow in this area.

• Washington State Bar Association membership in good standing, the ability to acquire membership through admission by motion, or ability to take the next Washington bar exam is required.
• Litigation experience, with particular experience in Superior Court, tenant rights, and on matters related to housing is preferred.
• Experience in substantive areas, including housing, foreclosure, or other legal issues that affect low-income communities preferred.
• Demonstrated experience and/or connection to NJP’s client communities is also preferred.
• Should be culturally competent and have demonstrated commitment or experience working with low-income client communities, communities of color, limited English speakers and persons with disabilities.
• Travel between counties and representation in different courts required.
• Reliable transportation to travel to courthouses within a region is required

Compensation: Starting salary is based upon years of experience, with an annual salary range of $70,329 to $128,569. NJP also offers compensation for those who are regularly asked to use a language other than English in their work.  We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes 100% paid employee health premiums and significant premium shares for family health premiums, as well as generous time off.

Hours of work: NJP’s typical client office hours are 9:00 – 5:00, Monday through Friday. Attorney positions are exempt and those in the position are expected to work the hours needed to meet their professional responsibilities.

Application Deadline:  Open until filled.

NJP is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and fosters an environment free of barriers and discriminatory practices. NJP actively promotes mutual respect, acceptance, teamwork and productivity. NJP is committed to maintaining an organization whose staff, Board and clients are diverse in background, experience, race, color, national origin, gender, age, religious preference, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sensory, mental or physical abilities, veteran status, and other qualities that strengthen the program while reinforcing its commitment to basic fairness. People of color, people who identify as transgender, lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals needing a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process or for more information about the project should contact Human Resources at (206) 464-1519.