Tenant's Rights Staff Attorney, RtC Program

Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) is a non-profit law firm serving the 22 parishes east of the Atchafalaya basin. We provide free civil legal aid to low-income households. SLLS has received national and local awards for its outstanding work.

Our Housing Law Unit represents residential tenants, who are struggling with housing insecurity, and helps to stabilize their housing and enforce their rights. In 2022, Orleans Parish passed a city ordinance providing any residential tenant facing eviction the right to an attorney. For this purpose, the City turned to SLLS to provide quality representation to these tenants. Our Housing Unit’s RtC team defends tenants against evictions, subsidy terminations, illegal lockouts, and other housing issues that might lead to displacement. Strategies to accomplish the goal of the project include direct representation, education and outreach, operation of Eviction Help Desks, social services assistance and connection to resources, as well as strategic impact advocacy. Our RtC program partners with the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center and Jane Place Neighborhood Sustainability Initiative. Our RtC team includes attorneys, legal assistants, paralegals, and social workers. We’re currently looking for the following:

TENANTS’ RIGHTS ATTORNEY – RtC PROGRAM

Staff Attorneys handle a caseload of Orleans Parish landlord-tenant cases, including providing advice and brief services; representing clients regularly in First City and Second City Courts and assisting with staffing the Eviction Help Desks; defending against subsidy terminations; as well as, assisting with case compliance and reporting, supporting advocacy goals, and other duties as needed. This position is in the SLLS New Orleans.

The ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate:

• Proficiency in written and oral communication, client counseling, advocacy
• Trial skills and/or desire to do trial defense
• Dependability, ability to respond to emergencies, good work habits, self-motivation, and the capacity to work well with others
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment with short-deadlines
• Dedication to serving vulnerable people and a desire to work in a non-judgmental and holistic environment to support clients

Full-time Staff Attorney positions require admission to practice law in Louisiana. Starting salary is $50,000 - $77,000, based on years of experience, e.g., 0-1 years is $50,000 and increases on the candidate’s experience. Spanish-English bilingualism receives extra compensation.

To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Shannan Latino, SLLS Human Resources Manager, at slatino@slls.org.

At SLLS, we know our differences make us better and stronger in achieving equal access to justice and we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion to make a positive contribution to our clients, communities, and each other. SLLS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

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