Staff Attorney-Saturday Lawyer/Eviction Defense

Job Description

Job Description

AVLF creates safe and stable homes and families by inspiring attorneys to fight for equal justice. AVLF is the largest provider of pro bono legal services in Greater Atlanta. For over 45 years, we have promoted access to justice by inspiring volunteer attorneys to provide high-quality education, advocacy, and representation at no charge to low-income families with basic civil legal needs at critical times in their lives. Our programs include services for domestic violence survivors, landlord/tenant disputes, and evictions.

AVLF’s Safe & Stable Homes Project seeks a Staff Attorney with a passion for helping low-income tenants obtain safe, secure housing and fair treatment under the law.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Staff Attorney will have job duties spanning two of AVLF’s housing programs, the Saturday Lawyer Program and the Eviction Defense Program. The Staff Attorney will provide a range of legal assistance to clients in both programs, including phone advice, document preparation and review, and full representation. They will work in close partnership with AVLF’s other housing attorneys to address common and systemic issues. The Staff Attorney’s work will include conducting a Know Your Rights presentation at AVLF’s monthly in-person Tenant Empowerment Workshop and assisting at the courthouse-based Housing Court Assistance Center.

The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to advocating for and working alongside tenants, the ability to juggle competing priorities, and an interest in serving clients across the full spectrum of landlord/tenant law.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Saturday Lawyer Program:

• Provide legal advice to clients before and after Saturday Lawyer appointments, including advice calls, review of leases and other documents to advise of legal rights, limited representation of clients, and follow up with clients after Saturday Lawyer appointments. This will include advising clients on how to terminate their leases, seek repairs, and file suit against their landlords, among other topics.
• Assist with the implementation of the Saturday Lawyer Program. This will include revising client case summaries prepared for the volunteers, conducting the client Know Your Rights presentation at the monthly in-person Tenant Empowerment Workshop, and running six (6) virtual Saturday Lawyer clinics per year.

Eviction Defense Program:

• Provide legal advice and representation to clients facing eviction through AVLF’s Eviction Defense Program. Conduct advice calls and provide document drafting and other limited legal assistance. Represent tenants in a small individual caseload of eviction defense cases. Regularly staff the Housing Court Assistance Center.
• Assist with implementation of the pro bono volunteer component of the Eviction Defense Program. This will include assisting with recruitment of potential volunteers, conducting trainings, responding to volunteer questions, and providing support on cases volunteers have accepted.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with other Safe and Stable Homes Project attorneys to address common or systemic issues; provide support for the work of the Safe and Stable Homes project as needed.
• Engage in relationship building with community partners; engage in reciprocal services to further AVLF's leadership and credibility in the community; remain visible in the legal community.
• Maintain accurate records of client services; record data in AVLF’s case management system; collaborate with data analysis and marketing staff to tell the story of AVLF’s impact.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and membership in the Georgia Bar in good standing, or eligibility for admission prior to the hire date, required. A demonstrated commitment to client-centered advocacy and experience working with tenants or low-income communities is strongly preferred

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and legal services to low-income individuals and/or communities, whether through pro bono work or otherwise.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, including experience and comfort with public speaking. Strong preference for proficiency or fluency in Spanish.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills; equally strong analytical skills.
• Litigation experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds, including communicating with our diverse constituencies – from law firm partners to potential clients.
• Willingness to accept constructive feedback and ask questions when necessary.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and problem-solve in a demanding and changing environment.
• Ability to take initiative when needed; demonstrated sound judgment.
• Comfort learning and working with new technology. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel is a plus.

Fringe benefits:

• Health Insurance: AVLF covers 100% of employee-only Medical and Dental.
• Voluntary Benefits: 100% employer-paid coverage for group life, long-term disability, and short-term disability.
• Retirement: AVLF contributes 5% of your salary to a retirement plan—no employee match required.
• Paid Time Off: Includes 21 PTO days (prorated), 2 floating personal days, and twice-yearly wellness leave.
• Student Loan Assistance: Up to $500/month ($6,000/year) with a lifetime maximum of $60,000. (subject to 3 month waiting period)
• Professional Licensure: Georgia bar dues and CLE expenses

Compensation for this role starts at $67,500 and will be commensurate with skills and experience

AVLF offers a comprehensive benefits package, which is based on available funding and may be adjusted at any time as needed