Job Announcement

Staff Attorney—Pre-Eviction Defense

Kitsap Legal Services

500 Pacific Ave., Suite 401, Bremerton, WA 98337

Job Title:                            Staff Attorney, Eviction Defense

Job Type:                           Full-time salaried position

Compensation:                 $70,000/year; Vacation and sick leave; Compensated medical insurance.

Application Deadline:     Open until filled. First review of applications on October 30, 2023.

Start Date:                         Upon hire

Kitsap Legal Services is a non-profit organization that provides free legal services to low-income individuals in Kitsap County, Washington.

Funding for the KLS Eviction Defense Attorney is from grants received from the State of Washington, Office of Civil Legal Aid; Kitsap County; and First Fed Foundation. This position will work under the general direction of the KLS Executive Director. The KLS Eviction Defense Attorney role is key to preventing evictions. This position will provide advice and brief services to tenants who are being threatened with eviction but prior to the eviction being filed with the courts. Occasionally, some litigation may be required. Service priority will be given to low-income tenants at disparate risk of eviction due to race/ethnicity, language, culture, sexual orientation, disability, or other barriers. The attorney will work closely with other housing attorneys, KLS volunteers, and partner organizations. If the case ends up being filed for eviction, the attorney will transition the case to the Appointed Counsel attorneys as directed. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for legal clinics or outreach events. Funding for this position is guaranteed through 06/30/2024 and may be extended beyond that date.

Job Duties:

• Provide legal services to low-income tenants 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 that is sensitive and appropriate for those who have been traumatized by poverty, physical and mental abuse and/or violence;
• Prepare and manage a high-volume caseload requiring frequent negotiations with opposing parties;
• Develop and maintain relationships with opposing counsel, local stakeholders, and other eviction defense attorneys;
• Stay up-to-date on local, state, and federal housing laws, regulations, and case precedents to ensure accurate and effective legal assistance to clients, including participating in trainings and CLEs regarding housing law and other relevant topics;
• Participate in outreach events and informational sessions about housing issues;
• Utilize case management and timekeeping systems and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements and reporting needs;
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Licensed to practice law in Washington in good standing;
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (interpreters are available to communicate with clients who do not speak English);
• Knowledge of Washington housing law, or a commitment to learn this specialized field;
• Experience with direct client management;
• Demonstrated experience 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 (preferred);
• Established commitment to working with marginalized and oppressed communities;
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with others;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Zoom, LegalServer or other case management software;

To Apply:

Send a letter of interest, resume’, and three professional references to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.